The historical tradition of UMN is intertwined with the creation of the "General University Studies of Angola" (initiated in Luanda in 1962).
With the intention of expanding its scope, on August 5, 1963, the creation of a campus in Lubango (then Sá da Bandeira) was promulgated.
In 1966, the Lubango campus became the "Delegation of General Studies of Angola in Sá da Bandeira", offering the university courses of preparation of teachers of the 8th and 11th groups of Higher Education.
The Faculty of Letters was abolished in 1980 to give place to the Higher Institute of Education Science (ISCED) in Lubango, by decree nº 95 of August 30 of the Council of Ministers.
7/09 of May 12, the University Mandume and Ndemufayo (UMN) is created as Public Education Institution Superior, from the elevation of the ISCED of Lubango.