The origin of ASOIU is linked to the rise of the petroleum industry in Baku. In 1887, a preparatory technical school formed, which evolved into Baku Polytechnicum. By 1910, it offered an oil-focused curriculum, but with a skewed student ratio. In 1920, it transformed into Baku Polytechnical Institute under the Azerbaijan SSR. It trained engineers across industries. In 1923, it became Azerbaijan Polytechnical Institute; 1929, separate Agriculture Institute; 1930, Azerbaijan Oil Institute (AOI); 1934, Azerbaijan Industrial Institute (Az.I.I.). World War II strained Az.I.I., yet it produced oil engineers. In 1952, Azerbaijan Polytechnical Institute was founded, shifting non-petrochemical courses. Az.I.I. became Azerbaijan Oil and Chemistry Institute (AzOCI) in 1959. In the 1960s, an evening program emerged, leading to Sumgait State University in 1992. Post-Soviet independence led to ASOIU's establishment in 1992. ASOIU adopted a Western model in 1993, with first bachelor's and master's graduates in 1999. Renamed Azerbaijan State Oil and Industrial University in 2015 by presidential decree.
