10 Things to Know About New INEC Chairman-Designate, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan

The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.

Here are 10 key facts about the newly approved INEC boss:

1. He Hails from Kogi State

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria.

2. He’s 58 Years Old

At 58, Amupitan brings decades of legal and academic experience to his new national role as Nigeria’s chief electoral umpire.

3. Academic Journey Began in Ilorin

After completing his primary and secondary education before 1982, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, between 1982 and 1984, laying the foundation for his pursuit of law.

4. A Product of the University of Jos

Amupitan holds three degrees from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) — an LLB (1987), LLM (1993), and PhD (2007) — making him one of Nigeria’s most academically accomplished legal scholars.

5. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, officially becoming a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

6. A Distinguished Academic and Administrator

Amupitan began lecturing at the University of Jos in 1989 and has since risen to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

He previously served as Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014), and Head of Public Law (2006–2008).

7. Holds the Prestigious Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

In September 2014, Professor Amupitan earned the coveted Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title — one of the highest honours in the Nigerian legal profession.

8. Governance and Board Experience

Beyond academia, he has served on several boards, including:

• Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom

• Council of Legal Education (2008–2014)

• Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council
  He was also a former board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004).

9. Pro-Chancellor of a Nigerian University

Professor Amupitan currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State — a role that underscores his strong background in institutional governance.

10. A Renowned Author and Legal Scholar

He has authored several respected legal texts, including:

• Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)

• Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)

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

• Principles of Company Law (2013)

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

With an illustrious career spanning law, academia, and governance, Professor Joash Amupitan is widely regarded as a principled scholar and reform-minded administrator. His appointment marks a significant shift in leadership at INEC, as he prepares to steer Nigeria’s electoral system into a new era.