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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, assumed office as Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission on 23 October 2025.
His appointment placed a seasoned legal scholar at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most critical democratic institutions.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu following approval by the National Council of State and confirmation by the Senate.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as apolitical, principled, and well suited for the task ahead.
Roots shaped by education and service
Amupitan was born on 25 April 1967 in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He grew up in a household that valued education and community responsibility.
His mother, Alice Ajigba Amupitan, was a teacher and prominent church leader in the state.
He completed his early education locally before enrolling at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
There, he earned a National Diploma in 1984 before proceeding to the University of Jos.
A career built on legal scholarship
Amupitan obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Jos in 1987.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Nigerian Law School programme.
Driven by academic excellence, he returned to Jos for postgraduate studies.
He earned a Master of Laws degree in 1993 and completed a PhD in Law in 2007.
His areas of specialisation include Company Law, Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Decades in academia and university leadership
Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 after completing his NYSC in Bauchi State.
Over three decades, he rose through the ranks and occupied several strategic leadership positions.
He served as Head of the Public Law Department and later as Dean of the Faculty of Law.
Between 2012 and 2014, he chaired the Committee of Deans and Directors.
He was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) before his appointment as INEC Chairman.
He has supervised over 30 postgraduate law students and several doctoral candidates.
Influence beyond the classroom
Beyond the university, Amupitan has served on multiple boards and statutory councils.
He was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
He also served on the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
From 2008 to 2014, he was a member of the Council of Legal Education.
His elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria came in September 2014.
Author, advocate, and public intellectual
Amupitan is the author of several widely referenced legal texts in Nigeria.
His works cover corporate governance, company law, and the law of evidence.
These publications have shaped legal education and practice across Nigerian institutions.
Steering Nigeria’s electoral future
At INEC, Amupitan has pledged to uphold transparency, professionalism, and institutional integrity.
In his inaugural address, he committed to delivering free, fair, and inclusive elections.
He emphasised strict adherence to electoral laws and procedural guidelines.
His tenure begins at a time of heightened public scrutiny and democratic expectation.
Private life and personal values
Away from public office, Amupitan is known as a private and family-oriented individual.
He is married to Yemisi Amupitan, and they have four children.
Observers say his calm disposition and academic discipline may define his leadership style.
As Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, Amupitan’s stewardship of INEC will remain under close watch.
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