The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral history. His nomination, unanimously endorsed by the National Council of State, reflects both his distinguished legal career and his reputation as a man of integrity.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan becomes the first person from the North-Central state to be nominated for the position of INEC Chairman. His appointment follows the exit of Mahmood Yakubu, who led the commission from 2015 to October 2025.
A Professor of Law at University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, Amupitan is a renowned scholar specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He earned the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, a testament to his depth of expertise and contributions to the legal profession.
His educational journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), followed by his law degree at UNIJOS (1984–1987). He was called to the Bar in 1988 after completing the Nigerian Law School. He later obtained his Master of Laws (LLM) from UNIJOS in 1993 and completed his PhD in 2007.
Amupitan’s professional career spans more than three decades. After his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation (1988–1989), he joined the University of Jos as a lecturer in 1989, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Within UNIJOS, he has held several key leadership positions:
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
- Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
- Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
His influence extends beyond academia. Amupitan has served on multiple boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014). He was also a board member of Riss Oil Limited between 1996 and 2004.
An accomplished author, his works have shaped legal scholarship in Nigeria. Among his publications are:
- Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
- Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
- Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
- Principles of Company Law (2013)
- An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)
Widely respected for his apolitical stance and commitment to ethical leadership, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State described him as “a man of proven integrity.”
Amupitan is married and blessed with four children. His nomination has been forwarded to the Senate for screening in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
With his extensive legal expertise, administrative experience, and reputation for fairness, Professor Amupitan’s leadership at INEC is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
