The Federal Government of Nigeria established Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as a specialised university through Decree No. 48 of 2nd November 1992, when it was formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike. The university began formal activities in May 1993 with the appointment of its first Governing Council and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Placid C. Njoku, on 27th May 1993, while other principal officers were appointed thereafter.

Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, a Distinguished Professor of Food Science and Technology, served as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1st March 2021 to 28th February 2026, succeeding the late Professor Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta.

Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, a distinguished Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, is the current Vice-Chancellor of the University. She assumed office on 1st March 2026 as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor and the first female Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.