The chairman-designate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Josh Amupitan, on Thursday, revealed that he was offered employment by the University of Jos (UNIJOS) as a lecturer even before completing his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Speaking during his screening and confirmation hearing before the Senate, Amupitan recounted his academic journey and early professional milestones, describing them as products of diligence and divine favour.
“I proceeded to the University of Jos, where I obtained my LLB degree in 1987, consequent upon which I emerged as the best graduating student at that time,” he said. “I am happy to report to Your Excellency, distinguished Senators, that I won all the awards available then before I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 1988, on the 3rd day of November.”
Amupitan explained that after his law degree, he fulfilled the mandatory national service in line with the extant law.
“After obtaining my LLB, I went on national assignment which is consequent upon the laws of the National Assembly. Upon graduation, we proceed to national service for the purpose of integration,” he noted. “I was posted to Bauchi State where I served in the Bauchi State Publishing and Printing Corporation, publishers of The Trumpeter, and served as the judicial and police correspondent at that time.”
According to him, it was during this period that he received an offer of employment from the University of Jos.
“Before I concluded my NYSC, Your Excellency, distinguished Senators, I was offered automatic employment as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Jos,” he said. “Principally because I was the best graduating student and again the professor who was actually a great mentor ensured that even before the NYSC, I was recommended and appointed.”
He recalled his mentor’s memorable words in the recommendation letter to the university authorities then: “Vice-Chancellor, if you don’t capture him now that he is young, by the time he goes into practice, we are going to lose him.”
Amupitan’s testimony drew admiration from several Senators, who commended his distinguished academic record and dedication to public service.
The Senate later confirmed his appointment as INEC Chairman, describing him as a scholar of integrity and a worthy ambassador of Nigeria’s academic community.
