In a powerful tribute to transformative leadership, the University of Gambia has immortalized the legacy of Akinwumi Adesina by renaming its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences after the former African Development Bank President.

President Adama Barrow personally unveiled the plaque on Wednesday, formally designating the faculty as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, celebrating Adesina's monumental contributions to agricultural development across the African continent.

The honor recognizes Adesina's extraordinary tenure from 2015 to 2025, during which he implemented groundbreaking reforms that dramatically advanced economic development. Under his leadership, the African Development Bank rolled out the High 5s development agenda, impacting an astounding 535 million people through initiatives like Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans.

During Adesina's leadership, the Bank's capital base experienced remarkable growth, expanding from $93 billion to $318 billion while maintaining its prestigious AAA credit rating. His Feed Africa Strategy was particularly transformative, providing food security for over 104 million people and substantially strengthening agricultural productivity across the continent.

The university's decision, conveyed through a letter by Minister of Higher Education Prof. Pierre Gomez, emphasized Adesina's revolutionary approach to economic development. 'Your tenure has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development across Africa,' Gomez wrote, highlighting Adesina's launch of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative.

A landmark project during Adesina's tenure was the AfDB-financed Senegambia Bridge, which significantly reduced travel time between The Gambia and Senegal while boosting regional trade and integration. This project exemplifies the tangible impact of his visionary leadership.

In a humble response to the honor, Adesina expressed deep gratitude, describing the recognition as 'exceptional'. The university hopes this gesture will inspire students to emulate his vision, determination, and commitment to African development. It's worth noting that President Barrow had previously conferred upon Adesina The Gambia's highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in 2023.

This extraordinary recognition not only celebrates an individual's achievements but also represents a beacon of hope and potential for future African leaders committed to meaningful, sustainable progress.