By James Sunday, FCAI, MNIIA
“A man of humble beginning, focused and visionary,” is how I would describe Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN). It is my sincere prayer that he succeeds in bringing forward the innovations that will ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria and make our nation a reference point for political excellence and credible electoral processes.
I have known Professor Amupitan for about two decades, following his academic progression closely. Throughout these years, he has remained steadfast in character and honour, a man whose integrity is matched only by his intellect.
Professor Amupitan’s journey in academia is marked by diligence and distinction. He holds a B.Sc. in Law, M.Sc. in Law, and Ph.D. in Law, all from the University of Jos.
Currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, he is a Professor of Law with specialization and experience in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatization Law.
He obtained his Bachelor of Law degree in 1987 at the University of Jos and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he was called to the Bar in 1988. He completed his Master’s degree in 1993 and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Law from the same institution in 2007.
“A distinguished academic who believes in leadership by example,” Professor Amupitan joined the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer, rose to the rank of Reader in 2003, and became a Professor in 2008.
In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
Professor Amupitan has served in several key academic and administrative capacities, including:
Head, Department of Public Law
Dean, Faculty of Law
Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors
Member, Governing Council, University of Jos
Member, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Member, Council of Legal Education
He has also represented the Faculty of Law on numerous university boards, where his leadership and foresight have been widely acknowledged.
A member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the National Association of Law Teachers, Professor Amupitan is a seasoned legal luminary with over thirty-four (34) years of academic and professional experience.
Professor Amupitan’s research interests are diverse and impactful. His work ranges from providing a legal framework for the privatization of public enterprises in Nigeria, to electoral law reform, privatization law reform, and petroleum industry law reform.
He has authored and co-authored over 50 publications in journals, book chapters, conference proceedings, monographs, and case reviews. He has also contributed significantly to national and international research projects.
Over the course of his career, he has successfully supervised thirteen (13) M.Phil./Ph.D. candidates and more than thirty (30) Master of Law students, many of whom now occupy key positions in academia, government, and private practice.
“Leadership is not about occupying a position; it’s about embodying values,” a colleague once said of Professor Amupitan, and rightly so. His life and career embody integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to justice and national development.
Born in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan remains deeply connected to his roots, carrying with him a humility that defines his interactions with people across all levels of society.
He is happily married and blessed with children, and continues to inspire both his students and colleagues through his character, work ethic, and faith in the transformative power of education.
In an era where values are constantly tested, Professor Joash Amupitan stands out as a symbol of honour, intellect, and vision. As Nigeria strives to strengthen its democratic and institutional frameworks, his leadership, scholarship, and integrity provide a model worth emulating.
It is my firm belief that under his kind of visionary stewardship, Nigeria will continue to build systems that are fair, transparent, and globally respected.
“Professor Amupitan represents what Nigeria’s academic and public service leadership should look like, anchored on character, competence, and commitment to national progress.”