On 1 October 1991 the Federal government of Nigeria established it as a Federal University and the name was changed to the University of Uyo. The university inherited students, staff, academic programmes and the entire facilities of the erstwhile University of Cross River State established by Cross River State in 1983.
In October 1991, Nigeria's federal government officially recognized the institution as a Federal University, changing its name to the University of Uyo. This university inherited students, faculty, academic programs, and all existing facilities from the previous University of Cross River State, which was established by Cross River State in 1983.