The governing body of the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University is the University Council. The Council delegates its main functions to the Management and to various commissions and committees. The significant activities of these commissions and committees are reported to the Council on a regular basis.

The Council shall have a minimum of 9 members and a maximum of 15 members. The Council shall consist of part-time members appointed by the Minister of Health. The Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellors of LMMU shall be ex-officio members while the Registrar of the University shall be the Secretary of the Council. Subject to the other provisions of the Higher Education Act No.4 of 2013, a member of the Council shall hold office for a period of three years but shall be eligible for reappointment for a further period of three years.

The Council shall provide entrepreneurial leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls. Its responsibilities shall include oversight of governance of LMMU, acting at all times, in the best interest of the institution and its stakeholders; guiding strategy, and overseeing the activities of management and ensuring that controls are in place. Additionally, the Council is the highest appellate body of the University.