Joash Amupitan: Key things to know about new INEC Chairman

Pending Senate confirmation, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is set to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Professor Amupitan for the position, and his appointment received approval from the National Council of State on Thursday, following Yakubu’s completion of his 10-year tenure.

With over 35 years of experience in academia, legal practice, and administration, Professor Amupitan is expected to bring strong intellectual and leadership qualities to Nigeria’s electoral body.

If confirmed by the Senate, his appointment will usher in a new phase for INEC, succeeding Yakubu, who has been at the helm since 2015.

Here are seven key facts about the INEC chair nominee:

1. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN): Professor Amupitan was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in August 2014.

2. Professor of Law since 2008: He joined the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2008. He also received the Teslim Elias Award for Meritorious Service in 2014 and has supervised numerous postgraduate students.

3. Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos: As of October 25, 2022, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He previously held positions such as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014), and Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008).

4. Early Life and Background: Born in April 1967, the 58-year-old professor hails from Aiyetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.

5. Best Graduating Law Student (1987): During his time at the University of Jos, Amupitan graduated as the best law student in 1987, earning the Richard Akinjide Prize and the University of Jos Chancellor’s Prize.

6. Holder of Multiple Law Degrees: He obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Jos in 1987, his B.L from the Nigerian Law School in 1988, his LL.M in 1993, and his Ph.D. in Law from the University of Jos in 2007.

7. Areas of Specialisation: His teaching and research interests span Company Law, Corporate Governance, and the Law of Evidence, which he has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1989.

The approval of Amupitan’s nomination was announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, who confirmed that President Tinubu will forward his name to the Senate for screening and final confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.