[1] It is named in honor of Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi, the leader of the Mahdist revolution which  overthrew the Ottoman-Egyptian administration and established their own "Islamic and national" government in Sudan (1885–1898).

Since its establishment, the university has striven to realize its goals in providing academic environment conducive to excellent teaching, learning, and research.

It Then developed to include following faculties The headquarters of the University of El imam Elmahdi is in Kosti—kilometers south Khartoum, and Its campuses are situated in three coterminous towns of the White Nile State: Kosti, Sudan, Rabak and Aljazeera Aba Island.

These include: It is considered the highest authority at the university and its chancellor is appointed by a republican decree after a recommendation of the minister of higher education and scientific research.

Making the policies and plans that drive at promoting the university and developing its performance scientifically, educationally, administratively and financially beside modernizing work systems, discussing the annual budget suggestions, making the development plans and establishing faculties, institutes, schools and centers.