October 09, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination to the Council during its meeting in Abuja, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
President Tinubu noted that Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position, describing him as “apolitical” and “eminently qualified.”
Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State commended the choice, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity and high academic standing.”
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is currently a Professor of Law and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
A renowned scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since September 2014, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
He was born on April 25, 1967, and began his academic journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984) before proceeding to the University of Jos, where he earned his LL.B in 1987 and was called to the Bar in 1988.
He obtained his LL.M from the same university in 1993 and completed his Ph.D. in 2007.
Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
Over the years, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Beyond academia, Amupitan sits on the boards of several institutions, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, and has served on the Governing Councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education.
