All you need to know about Nigeria’s new INEC chairman, Amupitan

The National Council of State has endorsed the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central region as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Once confirmed by the National Assembly, Professor Amupitan will officially take over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose two-term tenure recently ended, marking almost a decade of significant contributions to Nigeria’s electoral reforms and democratic progress.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the nomination during the Council of State meeting, describing Professor Amupitan as a “distinguished legal scholar of impeccable character.” He noted that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated for the top electoral position.

Profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)

1. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

Professor Amupitan was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 — a title reserved for legal luminaries who have made outstanding contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.

2. Academic Excellence

He holds LL.B, LL.M, and Ph.D. degrees in Law, all from the University of Jos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. His academic achievements underscore his deep-rooted knowledge of the law and commitment to legal education.

3. Proud Son of Kogi State

A native of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan’s nomination marks a historic moment as the first North-Central nominee for the INEC chairmanship.

4. Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos

He served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, where he championed academic reforms, faculty development, and mentorship programs for young legal scholars.

5. Professor of Law, University of Jos

Currently a Professor of Law, Amupitan has spent decades molding the next generation of legal minds while contributing to Nigeria’s academic excellence and legal scholarship.

6. Leadership in Higher Education

Beyond academia, he also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), showcasing his versatility and leadership in university governance.

7. Family Life

Professor Amupitan is happily married and blessed with four children. Despite his busy professional life, he is known for maintaining a close-knit family and a balanced personal life.