University of Gambia Names Agriculture Faculty After Akinwumi Adesina
- Jan 2
- 1 min read
The University of Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, recognising his far-reaching contributions to agriculture and food security across Africa.
The renaming ceremony took place on Wednesday, with Gambian President Adama Barrow unveiling a commemorative plaque that formally redesignates the faculty as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
University authorities said the decision was aimed at celebrating Adesina’s legacy while motivating students to embrace innovation, discipline and commitment to Africa’s development, particularly in the agricultural and environmental sectors.
President Barrow described the honour as a reflection of The Gambia’s appreciation for Adesina’s visionary leadership and his role in driving agricultural transformation on the continent during his decade-long tenure at the AfDB from 2015 to 2025.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB implemented the High 5s development agenda, focused on power supply, food security, regional integration, industrialisation and improved living standards, which reportedly reached hundreds of millions of Africans.
The period also saw the bank’s capital base expand significantly, alongside the successful rollout of the Feed Africa Strategy, which boosted agricultural productivity and improved food access across several countries.
In The Gambia, AfDB-backed projects under Adesina included the Senegambia Bridge, a critical infrastructure development that enhanced trade, reduced travel time and strengthened regional integration between The Gambia and Senegal.
Responding to the recognition, Adesina expressed deep gratitude, describing the renaming as a rare and humbling honour. He previously received The Gambia’s highest national honour in 2023 for his contributions to national and continental development.
Comments