Jos, Nigeria – The University of Jos (UniJos) Senate held a special gathering on Tuesday to celebrate one of its most distinguished members, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), as he transitions from his role as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The gathering, which drew an unusually high-profile delegation from the electoral body, was described as a moment of pride and warm goodwill, but also a platform for offering stark warnings about the political complexity of the national role.
A Send-off of Substance
The Senate chamber was packed with academics, university leaders, and top INEC officials, including seven National Commissioners, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State, and key management staff. The presence of such a high-level INEC delegation was noted as a historic first for a UniJos Senate session.
Speakers repeatedly praised Professor Amupitan’s character, using terms like “dependable,” “courageous,” “humble,” and a leader “not intoxicated by power.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya spoke warmly, describing the departing administrator as a man of unwavering courage. He drew laughter when he recounted previous whispers that he was preparing Prof. Amupitan to take over as Vice Chancellor, stating, “God was preparing him for something else, and this is where we are today.”
Warnings of the Labyrinth
The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to offer frank counsel as Prof. Amupitan steps into the nation’s political labyrinth.
“Working with politicians is the most difficult assignment in this country,” Prof. Ishaya warned, noting that high expectations inevitably lead to accusations when results are unfavourable. He urged the new INEC Chairman to focus relentlessly on logistics, security, and voter sensitization, and to boldly confront political resistance to the full deployment of technology in Nigeria’s elections.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rahila Plangnan, moved the hall with a deeply personal tribute, calling Prof. Amupitan a man who “hates injustice.” She issued a critical challenge, urging him to confront judicial interference in electoral outcomes.
“Voter apathy grows when courts declare winners instead of the people,” she stressed. “If you address this, Nigerians will rejoice.”
Commitment to Integrity and Courage
National Commissioners spoke with admiration, noting that Prof. Amupitan’s early days have already transformed the atmosphere at the Commission. National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu called him “divinely appointed,” praising his humility and calmness. Professor Sani Adams (SAN) pointed out that the new Chairman had immediately opened communication, sharing WhatsApp platforms with all categories of staff, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility.
When Prof. Amupitan rose to speak, he insisted on standing, honouring the Senate and his colleagues after 36 years at the institution. He confessed that when whispers of the INEC appointment first reached him, he resisted the opportunity.
“Friends told me: you don’t need this; it is a reputational risk,” he recounted. “But as I prayed, God revealed it was His agenda. Isaiah 41:10 gave me strength: Fear not… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Expanding on his vision, Prof. Amupitan stressed that electoral credibility begins with operational precision. “If you say an election starts at 8:30am, then it must start at 8:30am in every polling unit. That is where credibility begins. Logistics is everything.”
The ceremony ended with prayers and warm embraces, cementing the support of his academic base before he fully commits to the challenging task of managing Nigeria’s democratic future.
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