By Mark Ogagan
Former president of the African Development Bank Group, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina has been honoured by the University of Gambia after the institution renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences after the Nigerian.
The school recognised Adesina for his contributions to agriculture and food security in Africa, stressing that the gesture was aimed at inspiring students to emulate Adesina’s vision, determination and commitment to Africa’s development. This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Gambia’s President Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque on Wednesday, formally designating the faculty as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
The honour celebrates Adesina’s leadership during his tenure as AfDB president from 2015 to 2025, when the bank implemented wide-ranging reforms that advanced economic development across the continent.
Speaking at the unveiling, President Barrow said the renaming reflected The Gambia’s appreciation of Mr Adesina’s “visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Africa’s agricultural transformation”.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB rolled out the High 5s development agenda (Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans). According to bank data, the agenda impacted more than 535 million people.
During the same period, the bank’s capital base grew from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in its history, while the institution retained its AAA credit rating and won several global awards.
Mr Adesina also spearheaded the Feed Africa Strategy, which provided food security for more than 104 million people and strengthened agricultural productivity across the continent.
In The Gambia, the AfDB under Mr Adesina financed the Senegambia Bridge, a landmark project that has reduced travel time between The Gambia and Senegal and boosted trade and regional integration.
In a letter of appreciation to the Gambian president, Mr Adesina described the honour as exceptional.
“It is with great humility and deep gratitude that I express my appreciation for the renaming of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in my honour,” he said.
In 2023, Barrow conferred on Adesina The Gambia’s highest national honour in recognition of his contributions to the country and to Africa.
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