UniJos speaks on nomination of Amupitan as INEC Chairman

By Polycarp Auta

The Management of the University of Jos, has described President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as reflection reflects the president’s commitment to ensuring credible elections in the country.

“Amupitan’s exceptional pedigree as a beacon of excellence, honesty, and dedication, a man of unquestioned integrity and apolitical stance, reinforces our belief that his nomination is a testament to his revered reputation as one of the finest Legal minds and educators in our nation,” Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor (V-C) of the university, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, of the university.

The National Council of State had also backed the nomination of Amupitan to serve as INEC boss.

“President Tinubu’s well considered decision in nominating Amupitan reflects an astute understanding of the qualities essential for this vital role.

“The unanimous support from the Council members underscores the universal respect and admiration he commands.

“It is with immense joy and profound pride that, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff, Students, and the entire University of Jos community, extend our heartfelt appreciation to the president over this nomination,” he said.

Ishaya said that Amupitan’s ascent to this role marked a historic milestone as the first from the North-Central Zone of the country to occupy this pivotal position.

According to V-C, the nomination of Amupitan not only highlights his individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on this treasured region, validating the profound contributions of North-Central to national tapestry.

Ishaya, therefore, pledged the university community’s support for Amupitan to succeed as he prepared to occupy his new office.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi, is a professor of Law at the University of Jos.

He is also an alumnus of the university.

Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation, Bauchi between 1988 and 1989.

He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, Plateau, member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.

Others are; Member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), and member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as 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 Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

He is married and has four children.

(NAN)