King ZaraIn Nigeria, the role of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a big responsibility. After a decade under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the electoral commission has entered a new chapter following the recent appointment of Joash Amupitan (SAN) as its chairman.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is a man who spent 34 years as a lecturer within the walls of the University of Jos (UNIJOS). Amupitan is expected to strengthen the faith and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral commission and ensure credible elections in the country.
While little is known about him, Biodynasty aims to provide you with everything you need to know about the newly appointed INEC chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan.
Who is Professor Joash Amupitan? (Quick Facts)
- Full Name: Joash Ojo Amupitan
- Date of Birth: April 25, 1967
- Age: 58 (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Aiyetoro-Gbede, Kogi State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Kogi State
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Current Title: Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- Profession: Professor of Law, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
- Area of Expertise: Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Company Law
- Spouse: (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan
- Children: 4
Early Life and Education
Joash Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, and he hails from Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He comes from a family that upholds Christian values and is deeply rooted in education.
His late mother, Alice Ajigba Amupitan, was a respected educator and church leader. She instilled in him the values of knowledge, service, and integrity from a young age.
His journey and academic achievements are evidence of his family’s high standing for education. After completing his primary and secondary school education, Amupitan attended the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin for his preliminary studies between 1982 to 1984.
He was admitted to the University of Jos in 1984, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the institution in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his program at the Nigerian Law School.
His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; he earned both his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 1993 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007 from the same University of Jos, cementing his foundation as a formidable legal scholar.
Career
Professor Amupitan’s professional life is intrinsically linked to the University of Jos, where he began as an Assistant Lecturer in 1989. Over three decades, he rose through the ranks with distinction, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a full Professor of Law in 2008.
His administrative leadership at the university has been extensive and impactful, holding key positions such as:
- Head of Department, Public Law
- Dean, Faculty of Law (2008-2014)
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Beyond UNIJOS, his expertise has been sought at the highest levels of legal education. He has served on the governing councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the Council of Legal Education.
While a dedicated academic, Professor Amupitan also distinguished himself in legal practice. In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the legal profession’s highest accolade and recognition in the country.
His leadership extends beyond public universities. In December 2023, he was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Ilesa, Osun State.
Joash Amupitan has also served on the boards of several corporate entities, including Integrated Dairies Limited, giving him a well-rounded perspective on institutional governance.
With specializations in Company Law, Law of Evidence, and Corporate Governance, Professor Amupitan is a prolific author. He has written essential legal texts, including:
- Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008).
- Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)
- Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013).
- Principles of Company Law (2013).
His scholarship includes over 50 academic publications, from journal articles to book chapters. He has successfully supervised over 30 Master of Law candidates and more than a dozen doctoral students. It is fair to say that he has helped shape and tutored the next generation of Nigeria’s legal minds.
The INEC Chairmanship
In October 2025, following the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, May Agbamuche-Mbu stepped in as the acting chairman of the INEC. However, Professor Joash Amupitan has been approved by the National Council of State and appointed as the new Chairman of INEC. He is the first person from Kogi State to hold this position.
His appointment comes at a time when the commission is faced with heightened public scrutiny. He takes the helm at a critical juncture ahead of the 2027 elections, with expectations high for him to maintain the commission’s independence amidst political pressures, restore voters’ confidence in the electoral commission, boost the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, and make necessary electoral reforms and technological improvements.
His profound understanding of the law, particularly in areas that intersect with governance and evidence, positions him uniquely to address legal loopholes and champion reforms that can consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.
Personal Life
There is little information about Amupitan’s private life. We do know that he is married to Dr (Mrs) Yemisi Amupitan and their union is blessed with four wonderful children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Professor Joash Amupitan
1. What is Professor Joash Amupitan’s area of specialization?
He is a Professor of Law specializing in the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Company Law.
2. Is Joash Amupitan a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)?
Yes. He was conferred the prestigious rank of SAN in 2014.
3. Who is the new INEC Chairman?
The new INEC chairman is Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.
4. Where is the new INEC Chairman from?
He hails from Aiyetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
5. What university did he attend?
He is an alumnus of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he earned his LL.B, LL.M, and Ph.D. degrees.
6. What is his leadership experience outside of academia?
He has served as a member of the Council of Legal Education, the Governing Council of NIALS, and as the Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
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