The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the retirement of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served meritoriously for ten years from 2015 to October 2025. This decision marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic and academic history, as Professor Amupitan becomes the first individual from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the prestigious position.
The announcement of his nomination was officially made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, on Thursday, September 9, 2025. Onanuga explained that the decision of the Council of State was unanimous, with key members of the Council, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable academic distinction.” The President, in compliance with the constitution, will now forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, is not only a respected legal luminary but also a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator. Born in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, he has built an illustrious career that bridges law, academia, and national service. His appointment to lead Nigeria’s electoral body has been received with optimism, given his reputation for integrity, intellectual depth, and leadership experience.
Educationally, Professor Amupitan’s foundation is deeply rooted in the University of Jos, where he obtained all his degrees Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) in 1987, Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007. After earning his LL.B, he attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, thus commencing a lifelong journey in legal education and practice. His academic pursuit reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence and intellectual growth.
Upon completion of his studies, Professor Amupitan joined the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Law. Through hard work, scholarship, and dedication, he climbed the academic ladder to become a Reader in 2003 and was promoted to the rank of Professor of Law in 2008. His rise within the university system exemplifies perseverance and merit-based advancement in the Nigerian academic landscape.
His legal specialization spans across Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatization Law, reflecting a blend of theoretical and practical expertise. Professor Amupitan’s intellectual curiosity has also extended to research in Electoral Law Reform, Privatization of Public Enterprises, and Petroleum Industry Law, making him a versatile scholar whose work aligns perfectly with the evolving legal and institutional needs of Nigeria.
A major highlight of his professional journey came in 2014, when he was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) the highest recognition of excellence and distinction in the legal profession. This honour was a testament to his outstanding contributions to law, scholarship, and national development, positioning him among Nigeria’s most respected legal minds.
Beyond academia, Professor Amupitan has held numerous administrative and leadership roles within and outside the university system. He has served as Head of the Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. His influence also extends to the national legal community, having served as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the Council of Legal Education.
As a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and National Association of Law Teachers (NALT), Professor Amupitan has consistently demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and professional excellence. His involvement in these organizations underscores his belief in continuous learning, mentorship, and capacity development for the next generation of lawyers and scholars.
Over his 34 years of academic and professional experience, Professor Amupitan has contributed immensely to research and scholarship. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 academic works, including journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, case reviews, and research monographs. His publications have influenced national policy directions and contributed to reforms in Nigeria’s legal and governance structures.
In addition to his research contributions, Professor Amupitan has successfully supervised 13 Ph.D. and M.Phil candidates and over 30 Master of Law (LL.M.) students, nurturing a new generation of legal scholars and practitioners. His mentorship record is one of the strongest indicators of his enduring impact on Nigeria’s higher education system and legal development.
His nomination as the new INEC Chairman is seen by many observers as a fusion of academic credibility and moral integrity two crucial ingredients for steering Nigeria’s electoral body toward greater transparency and institutional trust. Colleagues and political observers alike believe his deep understanding of corporate governance and legal reform will strengthen INEC’s internal management and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
President Tinubu, during the Council of State meeting, emphasized that the nomination of Amupitan represents “a new dawn for the Commission and for the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.” The President further described him as “apolitical and reform-minded,” qualities that are expected to guide his leadership in a politically sensitive institution like INEC.
At home, Professor Amupitan is known as a devoted family man. He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, a respected scholar and professional in her own right, and they are blessed with four children. His balanced life between family, faith, and national service serves as a model for emerging leaders across academic and public sectors.
In sum, the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as INEC Chairman marks not just a leadership transition but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to competence and meritocracy. His intellectual strength, professional integrity, and administrative experience present a refreshing hope for Nigeria’s democratic future. With his background as a scholar, administrator, and legal reformer, many Nigerians are optimistic that Professor Amupitan will elevate the standards of electoral management and restore confidence in the nation’s democratic process.
