Through an engaging and inspiring gathering of many Nigerian leaders, with the principal motivation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the erstwhile Premier of Eastern Nigeria, there came the endorsement of law which was passed in 1955 for the institution of a University in the Eastern Region of Nigeria. By the 7th of October, 1960, the University of Nigeria was officially opened.

Just after the legal endorsement in 1955, a request was sent to the United States of America and the United Kingdom  to commission guides and counsellors to aid in the design and development of the proposed University, detailing the tangible and academic aspects. The initial move was one of the groundbreaking efforts made by the Eastern Nigeria Government to complete its commitment.

In 1958, Dr. John A Hannah, President of Michigan State University, Mr. J.W. Cook, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, and Dr. Glen L. Taggart, Dean of International Programmes in Michigan State University came into the country as a group. This team appraised the present-day location at Nsukka, while considering significant features and components that would be apt for the founding of a new University in the African heartland.  This collaboration came from the United States Agency for International Development (formerly International Co-operation Administration) and the Inter-University Council for Higher Education and Overseas.

They proposed ""that the development of the University of Nigeria based upon the concept of service to problems and needs of Nigeria, is a desirable project and one that should recieve support from any source which could help to make it a sound endeavor". They also suggested the formation of an interim council which would "draw upon the technical and consultative resources available throughout the world for help in planning the institution". This proposal was the product of their evaluations which was contained in a White Paper delivered by the Eastern Nigeria Government on the 30th of November, 1958.

The interim council was chosen by the Governor in Council in April 1959 and was approved by the Eastern Nigeria Legislature with the requisite economic and administrative control to develop a comprehensive university. This interim council replicated the attitude of international cooperation which is the cornerstone of the institution. It comprised of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chairman, Dr. T. Olawale Elias and Dr. OKechukwu Ikejiani from the Federation of Nigeria, Dr.Eldon Lee Johnson and Dr. Marguerite Cartwright from the United States of America, and Mr. J.S. Fulton from the United Kingdom.

In 7th October, 1960, at the apex of the Nigerian independence celebrations, the University was formally opened. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Nigeria Independent festive presided the opening ceremonies. She also laid the foundation stone of one of the early buildings in the University.