The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
BSGISTNEWS reported the announcement, which was made on Thursday in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy. President Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan’s name to the Council during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
His appointment follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year tenure in October 2025, marking a new chapter in the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body.
Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan Biography
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a distinguished scholar, seasoned administrator, and one of the few INEC chairmen to emerge from the North-Central region.
Educational Career
Professor Amupitan began his academic journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he obtained his preliminary qualifications between 1982 and 1984.
He proceeded to the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1987, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) in 1993, and later a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law in 2007.
His educational journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, legal excellence, and academic growth.
Academic Career
Professor Amupitan began his academic career in 1989, shortly after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the past 35 years, he has become one of Nigeria’s most respected law professors.
At the University of Jos, he has mentored countless students, supervised advanced research, and contributed significantly to the development of legal education in Nigeria.
Professional / Legal Career
A seasoned lawyer and academic, Professor Amupitan was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014, joining the elite rank of legal luminaries recognized for their excellence, scholarship, and service to the Nigerian bar.
Beyond academia, he has served in several high-profile legal and administrative roles, including:
- Member, Council of Legal Education
- Member, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
- Board Member, Riss Oil Limited
- Board Member, Integrated Dairies Limited (Vom)
Areas of Specialization
Professor Amupitan’s legal expertise covers a broad spectrum of fields, with key areas of specialization including:
- Company and Corporate Law
- Law of Evidence
- Corporate Governance
- Privatisation and Commercial Law
His scholarly works in these areas have shaped the understanding and application of corporate and governance law in Nigeria.
Career Positions and Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Professor Amupitan has held several leadership and administrative positions, demonstrating both academic excellence and managerial skill. These include:
- Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos (2008–2014)
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors, UNIJOS (2012–2014)
- Head, Department of Public Law, UNIJOS (2006–2008)
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos
- Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State
Authorship and Publications
Professor Amupitan is an accomplished author with several influential legal texts widely used in Nigerian universities and law schools. Some of his notable works include:
- Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
- Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
- Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
Awards and Recognitions
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) – 2014
- Distinguished Academic Service Award, University of Jos
- Recognized for outstanding contribution to Legal Education and Governance in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) brings to INEC an impressive blend of legal scholarship, administrative experience, and academic integrity. His appointment is seen as a strategic move toward reinforcing transparency, professionalism, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
As he assumes office, Nigerians await how his vast experience will shape the next phase of democratic governance and electoral reform in the country.
