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.
On 1 October 1991, the Nigerian federal government designated it as a Federal University, renaming it the University of Uyo. The university acquired students, staff, academic programs, and all facilities from the former University of Cross River State established by Cross River State in 1983.