On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu announced Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as his choice to lead the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), taking over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose council-vc-transition/” title=”ACU … Honors Outgoing VC and Welcomes New Leader”>term concludes next month.
Notably, Professor Yakubu stepped down earlier this week to facilitate a smooth handover process.
Below are eight essential facts about the incoming head of Nigeria’s inec-chairman-selection/” title=”2027 Polls: SERAP Calls on Tinubu to Reveal Full Details of … Chairman Selection Process”>electoral body:
1. The Pioneer INEC Chairman from Kogi:
Professor Joash Amupitan marks the first individual from Kogi State-and the entire North-Central region-to be nominated for the INEC chairmanship. He originates from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
2. Esteemed Law Professor:
Amupitan holds a professorship in Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, where he also occupies the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). Additionally, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
3. Accomplished Legal Academic:
He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, following earlier education at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, Amupitan has cultivated a distinguished legal career spanning more than 30 years.
4. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Title Holder:
In 2014, he was conferred the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, joining the ranks of Nigeria’s most respected legal professionals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
5. Prolific Legal Author:
Professor Amupitan has authored several influential legal publications, 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)
6. Extensive Leadership and Board Experience:
Outside academia, he has held board positions at various organizations such as Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, Plateau State; the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS); the Council of Legal Education; and served on the board of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja, from 1996 to 2004.
7. Reputation for Integrity and Neutrality:
President Tinubu highlighted that Amupitan’s selection was influenced by his “impeccable integrity, apolitical nature, and distinguished service record.” His nomination received unanimous approval from the Council of State, who praised his honesty and dedication to national service.
8. Personal Background:
At 58 years old, Professor Amupitan is a family man, married with four children.
