The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has been honoured by the Federal University of Lokoja for his outstanding dedication and contributions to public service and legal scholarship.
The recognition came during the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), where he received a plaque celebrating his “dedication, hard work, and inspiration to many.”
Delivering his address at the conference, Prof. Amupitan described the event as a “momentous occasion” and underscored the pivotal role of law in advancing societal progress. “Law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress,” he noted, adding that Nigeria’s electoral process must continue to evolve within a robust legal framework.
The INEC Chairman pledged close collaboration with the National Assembly to strengthen the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians of a more credible, fair, and transparent electoral system. “I will start waiting to participate in the National Assembly to be sure that we have a learning electoral process and laws that you and I and Nigerians should be proud of,” he stated.
He further emphasized the Commission’s commitment to reducing post-election disputes, saying, “Let us not see electoral petitions in court.” According to him, the ultimate goal of electoral reform is to entrench a process that inspires confidence among all stakeholders.
Prof. Amupitan also called on the academic community to actively contribute to shaping legal and institutional reforms that will deepen democracy in Nigeria. The conference, hosted by the Federal University of Lokoja, brought together legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to deliberate on emerging trends and challenges in law and governance.