The UMU is the result of the vision of the Late Bishop John K. Yambasu, a former missionary to youth and young adults across Africa. Upon consecration, Bishop Yambasu presented his Vision 20/20 in which he communicated the dream of a university devoted to Christian values that exists for the transformation of Sierra Leone.

The first school to be established was the Bishop Wenner School of Theology and Christian Ministries at Leicester Peak, in order to set the foundation of the UMU as a Christian University.

The School of Theology began classes in August 2017 and was inaugurated in January 2018. In November 2019, The WASSCE Preparatory College was established at the Siaka Stevens Campus. In February 2020, the School of Transformative Education was established and in March 2021, the School of Business and Entrepreneurial Studies was established.

In 2022, the first Congregation of United Methodist University Sierra Leone was held at the amphitheater at the Leicester Peak Campus. Seven students graduated with a Degree in Theology (Missions, Pastoral, and Christian Education Options). Seven students graduated with a Certificate in Chaplaincy. Eighteen Students graduated with a National Diploma in Education.