[3][4] The university took off from a temporary site, made up of three blocks of building meant for a primary school in Gwagwalada, tagged the "mini-campus".

Academic activities started on the mini-campus in 1990, after which the university was allocated an expanse of land covering over 11,800 hectares (29,000 acres) along the Abuja city Airport road for the development of its main campus.

However, the distance learning offices of the university are located within the Abuja municipality (Area 3 Garki) where contact sessions of the programme are also held.

[6] The key organs and officers involved in the administration and governance of the university are the Governing Council, the Senate, the Congregation and the Convocation, the Vice-Chancellor, Two Deputy Vice Chancellors (Administration and Academic), the Registrar and Secretary to Council, the Bursar, the University Librarian, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Centres and Institutes and Heads of Department.

It is the general function of the Senate to organise and control teaching at the university and the admission and discipline of students, as well as the promotion of research.