McPherson University was launched in 2012 as a private Christian university. It was founded by the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria.
It remains a small university, with a graduating class of 92 in 2019.
There are four faculties at the university including natural and applied science, social and management science, humanities and basic medical science. Newer course options on offer include the four-year degree in nursing studies which was introduced in 2021 by the faculty of basic medical science, and a doctoral programme in computer science. Further expansion was enabled in November 2021 when the National Universities Commission approved the introduction of nine part-time degree programmes.
On campus there is a health centre, garden, library and administration building. There is also a dining hall and a chapel. There is also a sport centre where students can play outdoor sports including basketball, tennis and volleyball.