Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) Appointed as New INEC Chairman Full Biography and Achievements
National Council of State Approves Tinubu’s Nominee, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), as INEC Chairman
The National Council of State has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This announcement follows the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman for ten years, from 2015 to October 2025.
The approval was made public by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, on Thursday, September 9, 2025.
According to Onanuga, the Council unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State describing him as “a man of integrity and discipline.”
President Tinubu has since forwarded Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening in compliance with constitutional provisions.
First Kogi Native to Lead INEC
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) becomes the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated as INEC Chairman.
He hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Known for his uprightness and academic excellence, Amupitan brings over three decades of legal and administrative experience to Nigeria’s top electoral body.
Educational Background
Prof. Amupitan is a proud alumnus of the University of Jos, where he obtained all his degrees:
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LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) – 1987
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B.L. (Barrister-at-Law) – Nigerian Law School, Lagos, 1988
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LL.M. (Master of Laws) – 1993
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Ph.D. (Law) – 2007
He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation between 1988 and 1989.
Academic and Professional Journey
Professor Amupitan joined the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a Reader (Associate Professor) in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.
In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) — one of the highest honors in the legal profession.
Before his new appointment, Amupitan served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Amupitan has held numerous leadership roles, including:
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Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos (2008–2014)
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Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
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Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
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Member, Governing Council, University of Jos
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Member, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
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Member, Council of Legal Education
He also serves on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, Riss Oil Limited, and other national organizations.
Professional Affiliations
Prof. Amupitan is a member of several reputable bodies, including:
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Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
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National Association of Law Teachers (NALT)
With over 34 years of academic and professional experience, he is widely regarded as a seasoned legal luminary and an advocate of leadership by example.
Research, Publications, and Contributions
Professor Amupitan’s research interests span Corporate Governance, Law of Evidence, Privatization Law, Electoral Reforms, and Petroleum Industry Law.
He has published over 50 academic works, including books, journal articles, and research reports. His notable books include:
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Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
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Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
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Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
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Principles of Company Law (2013)
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Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)
He has supervised over 30 Master’s students and 13 Ph.D./M.Phil candidates, shaping the next generation of Nigerian legal scholars.
Personal Life
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, in Kogi State.
He is happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they are blessed with four children.
Upcoming Assignment as INEC Chairman
Professor Amupitan’s first major national task as INEC Chairman will be to oversee the Anambra State Off-Cycle Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Observers believe his appointment will bring renewed credibility and reforms to Nigeria’s electoral process.
Kogitrends Note
Kogi State has continued to produce distinguished figures across Nigeria’s political, legal, and academic landscapes. Prof. Amupitan’s appointment is seen as both a victory for competence and a historic moment for the North-Central region.