The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) started on June 14, 1971. It was first called the Advanced Teachers’ Training College because there weren’t enough trained teachers for post-primary schools in Rivers State after the civil war.

In 1975, it became the Rivers State College of Education.

Then, in 1982, it began giving out Bachelor of Education degrees by working with the University of Ibadan.

Finally, in October 2009, it officially became a full university through a law change. In 2010, it was renamed Ignatius Ajuru University of Education to honor Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru.