The National Council of State has approved Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Nigeria’s next INEC Chairman.
He becomes the first person from Kogi State to head the country’s electoral commission.
The National Council of State has given its approval to the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His nomination, presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, follows the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, who has led the electoral body since 2015.
Profile and Background
Professor Amupitan, an accomplished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. With his nomination, he becomes the first individual from Kogi State to be considered for the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral commission.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan began his education at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, between 1982 and 1984, before proceeding to the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Barrister-at-Law (B.L) program at the Nigerian Law School.
He went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law from the University of Jos in 2007.
Distinguished Academic Career
Amupitan began his academic career in 1989 at the University of Jos as an Assistant Lecturer, shortly after completing his National Youth Service Corps program at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.
Within the university, he has held several administrative and leadership positions, including:
- Head, Department of Public Law
- Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
In December 2023, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State.
Legal Expertise and Recognition
Professor Amupitan, who attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014, is widely regarded for his expertise in Company and Corporate Law, the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law.
He has also made significant contributions to research in areas such as electoral law reform, petroleum law, and corporate governance, mentoring several postgraduate students along the way.
Nomination and Endorsement
Announcing the nomination, President Tinubu described Amupitan as an exceptional scholar and an experienced administrator with a reputation for fairness and integrity. The National Council of State gave unanimous approval to his appointment, which will now be transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation, as required by the Constitution.
Political analysts have welcomed the decision, noting that Amupitan’s background as an academic and apolitical figure could enhance credibility and public trust in the nation’s electoral process.
Personal Life
Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they are blessed with four children.
