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New INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan |
Meet Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed INEC Chairman. Learn about his background, achievements, and leadership experience in Nigeria’s legal sector.
Nigeria’s democratic journey continues to evolve with the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His nomination, approved by the National Council of State and confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marks a new chapter for the nation’s electoral management body.
The choice of Professor Amupitan—a seasoned academic, administrator, and legal expert—signals the government’s intention to strengthen the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Who Is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, located in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, making him the first Kogi-born Nigerian to head the Independent National Electoral Commission. His appointment is being widely discussed as a symbol of regional inclusion and professional merit.
Currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Amupitan has built an impressive academic and legal career that spans over three decades. His leadership style, academic credentials, and commitment to ethical governance make him a respected figure across Nigeria’s legal and educational sectors.
Academic Background and Legal Education
Professor Amupitan’s academic journey began and flourished at the University of Jos, where he earned all his degrees—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Law. He joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in 1989, rising steadily through the ranks to become a Reader in 2003 and later a Professor of Law in 2008.
In 1988, he was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his legal training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. This early exposure to Nigeria’s judicial framework laid the foundation for a long and influential legal career focused on both education and national development.
You can explore more about the University of Jos here.
Areas of Expertise and Legal Contributions
Professor Amupitan’s expertise covers a wide range of legal disciplines, including:
His professional insight has been instrumental in advancing discussions around electoral law reform and corporate governance in Nigeria. These areas are especially crucial given his new role as INEC Chairman, where such knowledge directly impacts policy formulation and institutional reform.
In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), an honor that recognizes excellence and integrity in legal practice.
Academic and Administrative Leadership
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Amupitan has held several administrative positions within and beyond academia. At the University of Jos, he served as:
- Dean, Faculty of Law
- Head, Department of Public Law
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors
He also represented the university on key national education boards such as:
- The Council of Legal Education
- The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Governing Council
Before his INEC appointment, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State—a position that further demonstrates his administrative capacity and leadership versatility.
Research and Publications
As a prolific researcher and academic writer, Professor Amupitan has authored and co-authored over 50 publications in both national and international journals. His works focus on:
- Corporate governance principles
- Electoral law reform
- Privatisation policy frameworks
- Petroleum industry legislation
His academic influence extends to mentoring; he has successfully supervised numerous Master’s and PhD students who are now contributing to Nigeria’s legal and educational institutions.
For more information on his research background, visit the University of Jos Faculty of Law page.
Membership and Affiliations
Professor Amupitan is a proud member of several reputable professional associations, including:
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
- The National Association of Law Teachers (NALT)
These affiliations highlight his deep involvement in shaping policy, ethics, and best practices within Nigeria’s legal education and governance systems.
Personal Life and Family
Beyond the academic environment, Professor Amupitan has also contributed to Nigeria’s business and corporate landscape. He has served on several corporate boards such as Integrated Dairies Limited, Riss Oil Limited, and the NIALS Governing Council.
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and their union is blessed with four children.
What This Appointment Means for Nigeria
The appointment of Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman is being seen as a strategic move toward ensuring credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections in Nigeria. With his background in corporate governance, legal education, and reform-oriented research, many analysts believe he is well-equipped to modernize electoral processes and reinforce public trust in INEC’s operations.
If implemented effectively, his tenure could usher in a new era of accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
For updates on INEC and Nigeria’s election reforms, you can follow the official INEC website.
Professor Joash Amupitan’s appointment as the new INEC Chairman represents a fresh opportunity for Nigeria’s democracy. His academic excellence, leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law make him a transformative figure in Nigeria’s electoral system.
As the country looks ahead to future elections, expectations are high that under his leadership, INEC will deliver more credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral outcomes.
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