From David Onuoja Abuja
The Federal Government, has congratulated the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, following a prestigious award conferment as the “Great Ambassador of the University of Jos”.
In a congratulatory letter, personally signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the Federal Government in the letter described the honour as a testament to Amupitan’s lifelong dedication to academic excellence, legal scholarship, and selfless national service.
The award was conferred on the INEC boss during the University of Jos’s landmark 50th Alumni Anniversary and the combined 35th and 36th Convocation Ceremony, held on Friday, 12th December 2025, at the university’s main campus in Jos.
“This prestigious honour is a fitting tribute to your exemplary leadership, sterling public service, and enduring commitment to democratic governance, national development, and institutional integrity,” the SGF stated.
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“Your contributions to the strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral process, coupled with your personal values of professionalism, accountability, and patriotism, have continued to inspire confidence and earn respect both nationally and internationally,” the letter added.
The Federal Government further highlighted that Amupitan’s leadership at the helm of the nation’s electoral umpire had been characterised by a drive for systemic strengthening.
“The University of Jos, by this award, has not only celebrated an illustrious alumnus but has also affirmed the positive impact of its graduates on the nation and beyond. You have remained a worthy ambassador of the University, reflecting its ideals of excellence, service, and responsible citizenship”, it said.
With over 50 publications to his credit, his expertise spans critical areas such as Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Company Law, Privatisation Law and Reforms in Nigeria’s Electoral Jurisprudence.
As the nation moves forward in its democratic journey, the Federal Government expressed its optimism that this recognition would further fuel the INEC Chairman’s resolve to deliver transparent and credible processes.
Beyond his roles at INEC, Amupitan is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s brilliant legal minds. His elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 was a recognition of his significant contributions to legal practice and scholarship.
Amupitan, whose academic journey is inextricably linked with the University of Jos, a homegrown scholar of the institution, obtained his LL.B. (Hons) in 1987 before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
His administrative pedigree is equally formidable. Before his appointment as INEC chairman, he served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He also held roles as the Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), a member of the University’s Governing Council, and the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).
