Kannur University was built up by the Act 22 of 1996 of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The University by the name "Malabar University" had appeared prior by the proclamation of an Ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on ninth November 1995. The University was introduced on second March 1996 by the previous Hon. Boss Minister of Kerala. The goal of the Kannur University Act 1996 is to set up in the province of Kerala an instructing, private and affiliating University, advancing the advancement of advanced education in Kasargod and Kannur income locale and the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District. 

Kannur University is special as in it is a multi-grounds college with grounds spread over at different areas under its purview. The Act conceives that the University will build up, keep up, oversee and create grounds at Kannur, Kasaragod, Mananthavady, Payyannur, Thalassery, Kanhangad and such different places as are important for giving examination and research offices to advance propelled information in Science and Technology and other pertinent orders.