The Senate of the University of Jos on Tuesday held a special valedictory session in honour of Professor Joash Amupitan as he formally handed over his duties as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) following his appointment as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a statement posted by INEC on Tuesday, the event, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya, featured emotional tributes from senior administrators and academics who praised Amupitan’s integrity, courage, and unwavering sense of justice, qualities they said Nigeria urgently needs in its electoral system.
Setting the tone, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rahila Plangnan, delivered a moving tribute, describing Amupitan as a man who “does not tolerate injustice.” She recalled meeting him during a personal battle she was fighting against what she called “an injustice.”
According to her, Amupitan not only helped her gather evidence at his own expense but also offered moral and spiritual support throughout the ordeal.
“He prayed with me. And I can tell you, I got my justice from God,” she said, insisting that the same courage, conviction and compassion would shape his leadership at INEC.
Read also:
- 2027: Ensure electronic collation, transmission of results to safeguard democracy, group charges INEC
- INEC extends voters registration by 60 days
- Surge in voters registration and INEC’s response
Prof. Plangnan urged the incoming INEC Chairman to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure that “the people’s vote, not the courts,” determines election outcomes.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya summed up Amupitan’s character in one word: dependable.
“Professor Amupitan is a dependable man. Someone you can depend on,” he said.
He described the new INEC chair as a soft-spoken but deeply knowledgeable figure whose wisdom, humour and calm approach helped stabilise the university’s administration. According to him, Amupitan’s leadership style will be a major asset as he takes on one of the nation’s most demanding public offices.
The special session ended with applause and high expectations, as UNIJOS academics expressed confidence that one of their own is poised to bring honesty and steadiness to Nigeria’s electoral system.
