President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.
The National Council of State confirmed his appointment on Thursday, marking a historic moment as Amupitan becomes the first Kogi-born Nigerian to head the country’s electoral body.
According to a statement by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the appointment underscores the president’s commitment to credible electoral management under an experienced legal mind.
Who Is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and administrator.
He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they have four children.
Educational Background And Legal Career
Amupitan began his higher education journey at Kwara State Polytechnic (1982–1984) before earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
After his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in 1989, he joined the University of Jos as an Assistant Lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2008. His expertise spans Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
In 2014, Amupitan was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in recognition of his significant contributions to the legal profession.
Professional Experience
Throughout his academic career, Amupitan has held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos.
He has also represented the university on the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Outside academia, Amupitan has served on various corporate boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited and Riss Oil Limited. His legal insight and governance experience have earned him national and international recognition.
A prolific academic, Amupitan has authored and co-authored numerous works on Nigerian corporate and evidence law, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013). His writings are widely referenced in academic and legal circles across Nigeria.
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