By Ghazali Ibrahim
At the council of state meeting held today at Aso Villa in Abuja, president Tinubu unveiled the appointment of the next INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan which was unanimously approved at the meeting.
Below are five things you should know about the nominee:
1. His Background
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Amupitan becomes the first person from Kogi State to lead INEC.
He holds strong ties to his home state but built his professional life largely outside, especially in Plateau State at the University of Jos.
2. A legal expert and Academician
Amupitan’s academic credentials are rooted in the University of Jos, where he obtained his LL.B. (1987), followed by his LL.M. (1993), and later a PhD in Law (2007).
He joined UNIJOS in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer, rose to Reader in 2003, and became a full Professor in 2008.
Amupitan specializes in Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, Company Law, and Privatization Law, combining legal theory with real-world application.
3. Leadership in Academia & University Governance
Over his career, Amupitan has held a number of leadership roles at UNIJOS: Head of Department (Public Law), Dean of Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors, and currently Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Administration).
In December 2023, he also became Pro‑Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Osun State.
4. Legal Distinction & Public Service
In September 2014, Amupitan was conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) recognition reserved for outstanding legal practitioners.
Beyond academia, he has served on boards and councils such as the Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and in private sector capacities including roles at Integrated Dairies Limited (Vom).
He is also known to have been linked with the legal team of Senator Dino Melaye, though sources suggest that relationship is historic rather than determinant of his appointment.
5. Unanimous approval by council
President Tinubu described Amupitan as apolitical and said the choice was informed by his legal and academic standing.
His nomination was unanimously endorsed by the National Council of State, and his name will now go to the Senate for confirmation as required by the Constitution.
He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who concluded his 10-year tenure as INEC Chairman in October 2025.
