9854 which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 16, 2009, fusing together Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology in Butuan and Northern Mindanao College of Arts, Science and Technology in Cabadbaran into Caraga State University retaining the Butuan branch at its main campus.

On February 14, 1920, Proclamation Number 4 was passed by the American governor to the Philippines Francis Burton Harrison, declaring the reservation of a 232-hectare virgin forest land in Barrio Ampayon, in the Municipality of Butuan, province of Agusan as the grounds of the young school.

At the close of World War II in 1946, the Agusan Agricultural High School was established in the reserved area.

On June 22, 1963, Republic Act 3604 was passed, converting the school into the Northern Mindanao National Agricultural College (NORMINAC).

25 was passed, converting NORMINAC to the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST).

RA9854, signed on December 16, 2009, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, established the Caraga State University in the region by integrating the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) of this city and the Northern Mindanao College of Science and Technology (NMCAST) in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte with its main campus in Butuan.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in addition to some technical and vocational courses.

These colors are reflected in the new seal of the university with the design of a balangay boat, a wooden watercraft used by the early settlers and traders from as far as China, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries to engage trading in Butuan and nearby areas.

The torch symbolizes light-giving and vision to those who seek greater knowledge and truth.

The gear exudes development and progress in the quad functions of Instruction, Research, Extension and Production.