By DAYO ADESULU
Council of State Gives Unanimous Approval for Law Professor’s Appointment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appointment was unanimously approved by the National Council of State during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. The announcement was confirmed in a statement shared by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via X (formerly Twitter).
Amupitan’s appointment follows the completion of a decade-long tenure by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
First INEC Chairman from North-Central
During the meeting, President Tinubu informed the council that Amupitan, aged 58, becomes the first person from the North-Central region to be nominated for the position.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, a member of the Council, described Amupitan as “a man of integrity and high moral standing.”
“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation,” Onanuga’s statement read.
Distinguished Legal and Academic Career
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the institution.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since 2014, Amupitan is an expert in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
He earned his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, and obtained both his LL.M (1993) and PhD (2007) from the same university.
Leadership Roles and Contributions
Amupitan began his academic career at UNIJOS in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
Over the years, he has served in multiple key positions, including:
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Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
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Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
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Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
He also holds notable national positions as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and sits on the boards of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.
Publications and Family Life
The respected academic has authored several influential books, including:
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Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
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Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
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Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
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Principles of Company Law (2013)
Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral system as the nation prepares for future elections under his legal and ethical leadership.
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