Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian government has formally congratulated the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, after he was honoured with a prestigious “Great Ambassador” award from his alma mater.
In a letter released on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, described the honour as a validation of Amupitan’s “sterling public service” and his commitment to the nation’s democratic integrity.
The award was conferred by the University of Jos during its landmark 50th Alumni Anniversary. Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a lifelong academic, has a deep-rooted history with the institution, having served as its Deputy Vice-Chancellor before taking the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body. The government’s praise comes at a time when the administration is looking to bolster public confidence in its institutions, with the SGF noting that Amupitan’s leadership has been characterized by a drive for “systemic strengthening” of the country’s voting processes.
A Career of Law and Leadership
The “Great Ambassador” title is reserved for alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their professional careers while maintaining high ethical standards. Prof. Amupitan’s trajectory within the Nigerian legal and academic system is extensive:
- Academic Roots: He earned his law degrees and Ph.D. from the University of Jos, eventually becoming a Professor of Law there in 2008.
- Legal Standing: He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014, the highest honor for legal practitioners in the country.
- Administrative Pedigree: Before leading INEC, he held several senior roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).
In his congratulatory message, Senator Akume expressed optimism that this academic recognition would “further fuel” the Chairman’s resolve to deliver transparent and credible electoral processes in the years ahead.
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