By Chidimma Okwara,
The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The approval was given during a meeting of the council presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose second and final term as the chairman of the electoral body came to an end.
A seasoned legal scholar with a specialization in the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatization Law, Professor Amupitan brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to his new role. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
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His academic journey began at the University of Jos, where he rose through the ranks from an Assistant Lecturer in 1989 to a Professor in 2008. In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.
Professor Amupitan has held several key positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos. He has also served on the governing councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education.
His appointment comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for future elections, with expectations high for continued electoral reforms and the strengthening of the nation’s democratic processes. Following the Council of State’s approval, Professor Amupitan’s nomination will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
In the interim, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner, had been acting as the Chairman of INEC following the expiration of Professor Yakubu’s tenure.
