The University of Calicut, was born on 07/23/1968, by ordinance No. 5/68 of the Gov. of Kerala, which was later superseded by the Calicut University Act, 1975. The objectives of the University are to qualitatively develop higher education and research in all spheres of human development with special reference to technical and technological sectors and to promote art and culture in particular to Kerala, to uplift the educational people and to expedite the process of human development in the related regions in the northern regions of northern Kerala. Wayanad (except Mananthavady taluk). The main campus of the University is Thenhipalam (Malappuram Dt), 23 KM. south of the city of Kozhikode and extends over an area of 200 ha. on both sides of NH-17.
The administrative office, the Pareeksha bhavan, the distance learning school, the indoor and outdoor stadium, the university press, the publishing department, the university engineering department, the men’s and women’s hostels, the working women’s hostel, the teachers’ hostel and the staff quarters are located here. A well-equipped library, Audiovisual Research Center, Computer Center, Science and Instrumentation Center, Guest House and Seminar Complex, School of Health Sciences, University Health Center, Supermarket, Canteen, Travancore State Bank with ATM, Post Office and telephone exchange also operate on campus. Extensive playgrounds and gymnasium are also located on the Campus.
The University has complete teaching departments and several centers and schools of study. The university has two major extension centers, one in Thrissur and the other in Calicut. Another center is being established in Vatakara. In addition to these, the university has Teacher Training Centers in all five boroughs and advanced computing centers in 13 locations offering MCA, MSc Computer and BSc IT courses. Calicut University Institute of Engineering and Technology (CUIET) is located on the university campus, 400m from Kohinoor on NH-17. There are more than 150 colleges affiliated with the University, including teacher education colleges, engineering colleges, medical colleges, law colleges, IHRD centers, fine arts college, oriental degree colleges, and the college of dentistry, nursing, and homeopathy.