President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement followed a Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, October 9.
Here are 10 key things Nigerians should know about the legal scholar and administrator who will now oversee the conduct of elections across the country.
1. Extensive Legal and Academic Experience
Professor Amupitan has over 34 years of experience in law and academia, combining scholarship with administrative leadership.
2. Hails from Kogi State
He is a native of Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, grounded in Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape.
3. Family Life
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they are blessed with four children.
4. Academic Career at University of Jos
Amupitan began as an Assistant Lecturer in 1989, rose to Reader in 2003, and became a Professor of Law in 2008.
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5. Leadership Roles in Academia
He has served as Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
6. Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of JABU Governing Council
In December 2023, he became the second Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).
7. Legal Education Credentials
He earned his Bachelor of Law degree in 1987, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, obtained an LLM in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007, all from the University of Jos.
8. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
In 2014, Amupitan was conferred with the prestigious SAN title, recognising his excellence in the legal profession.
9. Areas of Specialisation
His expertise spans Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law, with research on electoral law reforms, privatisation frameworks, and petroleum governance.
10. Professional Affiliations
He is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the National Association of Law Teachers, reflecting his deep engagement in legal and professional circles.