Kannur University was established by the Act 22 of 1996 of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The University by the name “Malabar University” had come into existence earlier by the promulgation of an Ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on 9th November 1995. The University was inaugurated on 2nd March 1996 by the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Sri. A.K Antony. The objective of the Kannur University Act 1996 is to establish in the Kerala state, a teaching, residential and affiliating University, promoting the development of higher education in Kasargod and Kannur revenue Districts and the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District
Providing inclusive high quality Higher Education to all sections of society. Creating national and global research platforms. Continued emphasis on technology as a tool for pedagogic advancement and efficient governance. Empowering the rural community to acquire and enhance the skill- sets for sustainable development with emphasis on accessibility and inclusiveness.
To develop as a premier socially inclusive public university offering world-class education committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research while nurturing critical inquiry to make socially meaningful innovations and interventions.