To address limited access to quality tertiary education and promote equitable educational development across Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Education proposed establishing federal tertiary institutions in states lacking them. On November 10, 2010, the Federal Executive Council approved the creation of twelve new universities based on equity and access, with nine set to begin in Phase I.

A committee led by Prof. Julius Okojie was formed to plan their take-off. The team identified sites with state government support and secured Federal Executive Council approval, along with N1.5 billion funding per university from the Education Trust Fund. The Federal University Wukari in Taraba State was among the nine. On February 7, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Vice-Chancellors and Registrars, who were inducted on February 9, 2011.