Profile of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, The Newly Appointed INEC Chairman

By Peter Dansu  Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is a di...

By Peter Dansu 

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is a distinguished legal scholar, accomplished administrator, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with over three decades of experience in law, academia, and public service.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan has built a remarkable career marked by intellectual depth, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice and institutional excellence.

He currently serves as a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he also holds the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

Early Life and Education
Amupitan began his academic journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), before proceeding to the University of Jos, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School.

Driven by a passion for scholarship, he returned to the University of Jos to earn his Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993 and later achieved his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007.

Academic and Professional Career
After completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in 1989, Amupitan began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Jos. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, mentoring a generation of lawyers, judges, and policymakers who now serve across Nigeria and beyond.

Within the university, he has served in several leadership roles, including:

• Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)

• Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)

• Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)

Beyond the University of Jos, Professor Amupitan has also demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, a role that highlights his administrative depth and commitment to higher education.

Legal Distinction and National Contributions
A renowned expert in Company Law, Corporate Governance, Law of Evidence, and Privatisation Law, Professor Amupitan attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014, joining the elite class of lawyers recognized for excellence, integrity, and service to the legal profession.

He has also contributed to national development through several key appointments, including:

• Member, Council of Legal Education (2008–2014)

• Member, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS)

• Board Member, Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom

• Former Board Member, Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004)

Through these roles, he has been instrumental in shaping policy directions in legal education, corporate governance, and institutional reforms.

Publications and Scholarly Works
Professor Amupitan is a respected author and thought leader with several influential publications that have enriched Nigeria’s legal literature. His books are widely cited by scholars, practitioners, and the judiciary. Some of his notable works include:

• Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)

• Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)

• Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)

• Principles of Company Law (2013)

• An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)

Through his writings, Professor Amupitan has advanced discourse on corporate ethics, legal accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Legacy of Excellence
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, embodies a rare blend of scholarship, integrity, and visionary leadership. His appointment as Chairman of INEC reflects confidence in his capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process, uphold transparency, and deepen democratic values.