University of Gambia Renames Agriculture School After Akinwumi Adesina. BANJUL, The Gambia — The University of The Gambia has officially renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to honor Dr. Akinwumi A.
Adesina. President Adama Barrow presided over the unveiling of a plaque to formalize the designation of the Dr. Akinwumi A.
Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Official statements indicate that the renaming serves to recognize Adesina’s leadership and his role in advancing food security and agricultural transformation across the continent.
The ceremony highlighted his tenure as the President of the African Development Bank Group between 2015 and 2025, during which he oversaw several strategic development initiatives.
According to local reports, the university and the Gambian government cited the “Feed Africa “strategy and the “High 5″program as primary reasons for the honor. These programs are credited with impacting the lives of over 535 million people and expanding the bank’s capital from $93 billion to $318 billion. Regional officials confirmed that Adesina also facilitated the financing of the bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal, a project that has significantly reduced travel times and improved regional trade.
The government stated in a communiqué that the honor aims to inspire students to emulate Adesina’s vision for African development.
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology noted that Adesina’s previous reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture also contributed to the foundation of modern agricultural practices on the continent.
In a letter of appreciation, Adesina expressed gratitude to the university’s governing council and the Gambian leadership.
Sources close to the matter said he described the renaming as a rare honor that recognizes his long — standing commitment to supporting African talent and agricultural productivity. This recognition follows a 2023 award where President Barrow presented Adesina with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, the nation’s highest honor.
Dr.
Adesina is expected to visit the university campus in the near future to witness the institution’s progress. Further details regarding upcoming academic initiatives at the school are expected.
