Professor Joash Amupitan from Kogi Named New INEC Chairman

Abuja – The National Council of State has approved Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His nomination was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fill the vacancy left by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025.

Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. His areas of expertise include Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

He was conferred the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

The National Council of State members gave unanimous support for his nomination, noting his reputation for integrity and apolitical stance. Following constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will now forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.

Amupitan’s academic journey began after completing primary and secondary education and attending Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984. He earned his law degree from the University of Jos between 1984 and 1987 and was called to the bar in 1988. He later obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in 1993 and a PhD in 2007. His career in academia started in 1989, after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.

Currently, Amupitan serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. He has previously held several leadership positions at the University of Jos, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors.

Beyond academia, Amupitan has contributed to the private and legal sectors. He serves on the board of Integrated Dairies Limited, is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and has been involved with the Council of Legal Education. He previously served on the board of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja.

He has authored multiple books on law, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

Amupitan is married with four children, bringing both professional experience and personal commitment to his new role as INEC Chairman.