In a significant move celebrating pan-African leadership, The Gambia has bestowed a high academic honour on a distinguished Nigerian figure. The University of The Gambia has officially renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences after Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
A Legacy of Transformative Leadership Honoured
The renaming ceremony, which took place on the 2nd of January, 2026, was a direct tribute to Dr. Adesina's decades of service to the continent. President Adama Barrow of The Gambia personally unveiled the new designation, praising the former AfDB chief for his visionary role in reshaping Africa's agricultural and economic landscape.
President Barrow highlighted Adesina's pivotal work during his tenure at the AfDB from 2015 to 2025. He specifically credited the "High 5" programme, particularly its "Feed Africa" strategy, with impacting an astounding over 535 million people across the continent. This initiative was crucial in boosting food security and stimulating broad economic growth.
Concrete Achievements and Continental Impact
The Gambian leader detailed several tangible outcomes of Adesina's leadership. Beyond the Feed Africa strategy, he noted the remarkable growth of the AfDB's capital base, which swelled from $93 billion to $318 billion under Adesina's stewardship. This financial muscle allowed the bank to undertake transformative projects.
One such project with direct benefit for The Gambia was the financing of the historic bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal. President Barrow lauded this infrastructure, stating it has enhanced trade and regional integration between the two nations.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Agriculturists
The university's management explained that the decision was rooted in a desire to immortalise a living legend and inspire its students. They pointed to Adesina's tireless advocacy for agriculture-led development, youth empowerment, and building climate resilience as key reasons for the honour.
In a statement, the university said, "Beyond your tenure at the African Development Bank, your pioneering reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture laid a foundation for modernising the agricultural sector." They emphasized that his work continues to inspire policies across Africa and that naming the school after him aims to motivate students to emulate his vision and passion.
In his response, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow and the University of The Gambia for what he termed an "exceptional honour." He acknowledged the recognition as a testament to the collective belief in Africa's potential and the power of agriculture to transform lives.
This event underscores the cross-border respect for Nigerian expertise and positions Dr. Adesina's legacy as a blueprint for future leaders in agricultural and economic development on the continent.
