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 even earlier by the promulgaton of an Ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on 9^th November 1995. The University was inaugurated on 2^nd March 1996 by the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala. The objective of the Kannur University Act 1996 is to establish in the state of Kerala a teaching, residential and affiliating University so as to provide for the development of higher education in Kasargod and Kannur revenue Districts and the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District.

             Kannur University is unique in the sense that it is a multi-campus university with campuses located at various locations under its jurisdiction. The Act envisages that the University shall establish, maintain, manage and develop campuses at Kannur, Kasargod, mananthavady, payyannur, Thalassery, kanhangad and such other places as are necessary for providing study and research facilities to promote advanced knowledge in Science and Technology and other relevant disciplines.

Prof. (Dr.) M.Abdul Rahiman was the first Vice-Chancellor of the University from 01.01.1996 to 31.12.1999.

Prof. (Dr.) M.Abdul Rahiman was succeeded by the Prof. (Dr.) P. K.Rajan who assumed office on 15th May 2000.

            After the successful completion of his tenure of office of Dr. P.K. Rajan on 14^th May 2004, Dr. M.O. Koshy, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor was given the additional charge of Vice-Chancellor till 16^th August 2004. Thereupon Prof. Dr. Syed Iqbal Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calicut was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University also with effect from 17^th August 2004.

DR. P. Chandramohan who was the Vice-Chancellor of the University for the period from 28-February 2005 to 27 February 2009.
P.K. MICHAEL THARAKAN Present Vice Chancellor