The Profile: Scholar, SAN, Administrator: Meet Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Apolitical Pick for INEC Chairman.
The National Council of State has given its stamp of approval, paving the way for Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and esteemed academic, to become the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The nomination, put forward by President Bola Tinubu, marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. If confirmed by the Senate, the 58-year-old from Ayetoro Gbede in Kogi State will become the first individual from the North-Central region to occupy the pivotal role overseeing the nation’s elections.
But who is the man poised to take on one of the country’s most demanding and scrutinized jobs?
At his core, Professor Amupitan is a scholar. A proud alumnus and Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), his career is deeply rooted in academia. His expertise spans critical areas of law, including Company Law, the Law of Evidence, and Corporate Governance—a background that suggests a sharp, analytical mind geared towards procedure and integrity.
His academic journey is one of steady, dedicated progression. After studying at Kwara State Polytechnic and earning his first degree from UNIJOS in 1987, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He then returned to his academic home, earning an LLM in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, all while climbing the ranks of the university.
His leadership roles at UNIJOS are a testament to the trust he commands within the academic community. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law for an impressive six-year term (2008-2014) and is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). Further afield, he also lends his expertise as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Beyond the lecture hall, Amupitan has built a formidable reputation in the legal profession. His elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014 is a recognition of his distinction and contributions to legal practice and scholarship.
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He is also a prolific author, with several authoritative textbooks to his name, such as “Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria” and “Principles of Company Law,” which are used by law students and practitioners across the country.
His experience extends to high-level national bodies, having served as a member of the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Perhaps the most highlighted aspect of his nomination is his perceived neutrality. Presenting him to the Council of State, President Tinubu emphasized that Amupitan is “apolitical,” a crucial quality for an INEC Chairman tasked with delivering free and fair elections.
This sentiment was echoed by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who described the nominee as “a man of integrity.” The unanimous support from the council members indicates a broad consensus on his suitability for the role.
Professor Amupitan is married with four children. With his name set to be forwarded to the Senate for screening, the nation watches closely as this seasoned academic and legal practitioner prepares to step from the corridors of the university into the heart of Nigerian democracy.
