Professor Josh Amupitan, the incoming chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), disclosed on Thursday that the University of Jos (UNIJOS) extended a lecturer position to him even before he completed his compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure.
During his confirmation and screening session before the Senate, Amupitan reflected on his academic path and early career achievements, attributing his success to hard work and providential guidance.
“I enrolled at the University of Jos, where I earned my LLB degree in 1987, graduating as the top student in my class,” he stated. “I am proud to inform Your Excellency and esteemed Senators that I received every academic award available at that time before advancing to the Nigerian Law School on November 3, 1988.”
He further detailed that following his law degree, he dutifully completed the national service mandated by law.
“After obtaining my LLB, I proceeded to fulfill the national service requirement, which is legislated by the National Assembly to promote national unity,” he explained. “My posting was to Bauchi State, where I worked with the Bauchi State Publishing and Printing Corporation, the publishers of The Trumpeter, serving as both judicial and police correspondent.”
It was during this service period that the University of Jos offered him a teaching role.
“Even before finishing my NYSC, I was granted automatic employment as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos,” he revealed. “This opportunity arose primarily because I was the top graduate, and a respected professor who mentored me ensured my recommendation and appointment prior to completing my service.”
He shared a memorable excerpt from his mentor’s recommendation letter to the university leadership: “Vice-Chancellor, if you do not secure him now while he is young, we risk losing him once he enters legal practice.”
Amupitan’s account earned praise from numerous Senators, who lauded his exemplary academic accomplishments and commitment to serving the public.
Subsequently, the Senate ratified his nomination as INEC Chairman, recognizing him as a principled scholar and a distinguished representative of Nigeria’s academic sector.
