12 things to know about new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His appointment, confirmed by the National Council of State on Thursday, marks a historic first — he becomes the first person from Kogi State to head Nigeria’s electoral umpire, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Professor Amupitan’s journey is a blend of scholarship, public service, and legal distinction that spans more than three decades. Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the erudite scholar has long been a familiar name in Nigeria’s legal and academic circles.

Currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Amupitan began his career there in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. Over the years, he climbed the academic ladder — becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008. His academic path has been remarkably consistent: he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the institution.

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After completing his training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, he was called to the Bar in 1988, setting the stage for a career marked by excellence in both theory and practice. His expertise covers several key areas of law — including Law of Evidence, Corporate Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law — all fields in which he has made significant scholarly contributions.

In 2014, Amupitan was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a recognition of his outstanding contributions to legal education and practice. Beyond his achievements in the classroom, he has been instrumental in shaping institutional leadership at the University of Jos, where he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors.

His influence extends well beyond campus walls. He has represented the University on the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Until his latest nomination, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, adding another layer to his portfolio of national service.

An accomplished researcher, Professor Amupitan has authored and co-authored more than 50 publications in local and international journals. His works have explored themes such as corporate governance, electoral law reform, and petroleum industry regulation. He has also supervised numerous doctoral and master’s theses, mentoring a new generation of legal scholars.

A member of several professional bodies — including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the National Association of Law Teachers — he embodies the intersection of academia, administration, and policy.

Outside the lecture hall and courtroom, Amupitan has lent his expertise to corporate governance, serving on the boards of organizations such as Integrated Dairies Limited, Riss Oil Limited, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.

Away from work, he is a family man. Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and together they have four children.

As he steps into his new role as INEC Chairman, observers will be watching how his legal acumen, academic discipline, and administrative experience shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral system.