Within the ambit of its legislated and conventionally understood mandate, which is to extend higher education to all qualified persons, the Imo state University has set for itself the target of becoming a first class university. It is determined to prosecute academic pursuits to the highest possible standards while retaining community services as one of the cornerstones of its raison d'ette. The university envisions its own metamorphosis into a center of excellence in the context of a number of disciplines, including Architecture, Law, Science, Nursing, Optometry, and Education Technology amongst others. The vision of Imo State University remains the same till date.

The mission of Imo State University is to encourage the advancement of learning through teaching and research; to foster creativity, discipline, and inventiveness, as well as patriotism and community service in Imo State of Nigeria in particular, Nigeria in general, and the world at large.

In 2019, the mission statement of Imo State University Owerri was slightly modified but basically the mandate remains to: provide and promote high quality education and training; encourage first class learning, research and innovations; ensure the publication and dissemination of results of such academic and professional contributions; provide appropriate community services to Imo people in particular, Nigerians and humanity in genera through the creation of industrial harmony, effective partnership with governments, organizations, institutions, as well as individuals in line with the socioeconomic cultural and political needs of our people.

The Philosophy and Aspiration of the Imo state University are hinged on the desire to encourage the advancement of learning in Imo state in particular and Nigeria in general; to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, religion, or sex the opportunity of acquiring higher education.

The university has developed its academic and research programs within the principles of quality, excellence, merit, and freedom in the pursuit of knowledge for its sake and for service to mankind. The university places emphasis on community services as a bridge between it and its immediate community. It is within the philosophy of the university to continue to nurture its primary roles and, responsibilities in community service to make it the fulcrum for human and socioeconomic development in Imo State.

The Imo State University Owerri appreciates its role as a vehicle for improving access to quality university education in Nigeria in view of the ever increasing demand. In this light, the philosophy of the university is to train leaders who are sound both in learning and in character.