The historic occasion recognized and immortalized Adesina’s name, leadership, contributions to Africa, and his visionary role in the transformation of agriculture and food security on the continent.
BANJUL, the Gambia, January 2, 2026 – The President of the Republic of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow has unveiled a plaque renaming the University of Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Services as Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services. The historic occasion recognized and immortalized Adesina’s name, leadership, contributions to Africa, and his visionary role in the transformation of agriculture and food security on the continent.
Adesina, whose tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group (2015 to 2025), was marked by strategic development gains across the continent, pioneered a transformative High 5 program to Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa. According to the Bank’s data, the program impacted on the lives of over 535 million people.
Under his leadership, the African Development Bank’s capital rose from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in the history of the Bank. The institution won several global accolades including the most transparent financial institution in the world, and best multilateral development bank in the world, while maintaining its AAA credit rating by global credit rating agencies.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the African Development Bank launched the Feed Africa strategy to transform agricultural sector and food production, which provided food security for over 104 million people.
In The Gambia, fulfilling a decades old dream since independence in the 60s, the Bank under Adesina’s leadership financed a now iconic and historic landmark bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal. The new bridge seamlessly cuts travel time between both countries by hours and boosts trade and regional integration.
The decision of the Government of The Gambia and the University of The Gambia was communicated in a letter dated 27th November 2025 by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, who said, “Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development across Africa. Your leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative has revolutionized agricultural productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and enhancing climate resilience.
Continue reading with Eandel
Subscribe to unlock the complete story and receive your subscriber benefits.
