The university was formerly known as the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). On October 1, 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. Academic activities commenced during the 1991/92 academic session. UNIUYO has 12 faculties,the postgraduate school and the school of continuing Education.