Akinwumi Adesina’s Agricultural Vision Finds Home in The Gambia

BANJUL — The University of The Gambia has officially renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of former African Development Bank Group president Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, marking a rare institutional tribute to one of Africa’s most influential development leaders.

President Adama Barrow unveiled the commemorative plaque on January 2, formally designating the faculty as the Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The decision recognises Adesina’s leadership in transforming agriculture, food security and economic development across the continent.

Adesina served as president of the African Development Bank Group from 2015 to 2025, a period defined by significant institutional growth and expanded development impact. Under his leadership, the Bank introduced the High 5 development priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa, which the Bank says improved the lives of more than 535 million people.

During the same period, the African Development Bank’s capital base increased from $93 billion to $318 billion, the largest expansion in its history. The institution also received multiple international awards, including recognition as the world’s most transparent financial institution, while retaining its AAA credit rating from global rating agencies.

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A central pillar of Adesina’s tenure was agricultural reform. Through the Bank’s Feed Africa strategy, more than 104 million people gained improved food security. The initiative focused on boosting productivity, strengthening value chains and supporting smallholder farmers across the continent.

In The Gambia, Adesina’s legacy is closely tied to the financing of the Senegambia Bridge, a landmark infrastructure project connecting The Gambia and Senegal. Long envisioned since independence, the bridge has significantly reduced travel time between the two countries and enhanced cross-border trade and regional integration.

The decision to rename the faculty was communicated in a letter dated November 27, 2025, by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez. In the citation, Gomez described Adesina’s tenure at the African Development Bank as “transformative”, citing his leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative, which expanded agricultural productivity and strengthened climate resilience.

The citation also referenced Adesina’s earlier reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, which laid the groundwork for modernising the sector and repositioning agriculture as a driver of industrialisation, job creation and youth employment.

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In a statement, the University of The Gambia said the renaming was intended to immortalise Adesina’s legacy and inspire students to pursue innovation and leadership in agriculture and environmental sciences. The university noted his consistent belief in African talent and the role of knowledge institutions in driving long-term development.

Responding to the honour, Adesina expressed gratitude to President Barrow and the Gambian government, describing the recognition as a rare and deeply meaningful tribute. He also thanked the Ministry of Higher Education, the university’s governing council, management and faculty leadership.

The renaming adds to previous recognition from The Gambia. In 2023, President Barrow awarded Adesina the country’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his contributions to national and continental development.

The newly named faculty is expected to play a central role in training future agricultural professionals and advancing research aligned with Africa’s food security and sustainability goals.