Kannur University was established by the Act 22 of 1996 of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The University by the name Malabar Universityâ€Â had come into existence even earlier by the promulgaton of an Ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on 9th November 1995. The University was inaugurated on 2nd 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.