By Chiroma Israel
The Faculty of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has firmly dismissed allegations by former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, manipulated academic results during his tenure as Dean.
In a statement on Monday by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Francis M. Kwede, the institution described the claims as unfounded, politically motivated, and lacking any factual basis.
“The allegation that Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan traded off the results of certain 16 students… is false, baseless, and without merit,” the Faculty stated, insisting that no such incident occurred in the 2009/2010 academic session or at any other time.
The Faculty further rejected claims that any group of so-called “special students” benefited from undue academic advantage, stressing that there was no evidence of result manipulation or favouritism.
“There was no manipulation and trading off of results of any number of final year students… in favour of any group of ‘special students’,” the statement said.
It also took a swipe at Dalung, attributing his comments to partisan interests and noting that they were made in a politically charged context.
“The allegation was made in the heat and thicket of partisan politics and rhetoric,” the Faculty declared, adding that such claims should not be taken seriously by the public.
Defending Amupitan’s record, the Faculty maintained that he upheld high ethical standards throughout his academic career and leadership at the university.
“The University of Jos knows Prof. Amupitan to have conducted himself with the highest honour, candour, and integrity,” the statement added.
According to the Faculty, Amupitan’s tenure as Dean between 2008 and 2014 brought significant reforms, including the introduction of digital result processing systems that improved accuracy and efficiency, enabling students to meet deadlines for the Nigerian Law School.
The statement also dismissed claims of victimisation, particularly those allegedly involving Dalung, noting that records show he completed his postgraduate studies and obtained his LL.M in 2010 without incident.
The faculty reaffirmed its position and urged the public to disregard the allegations, noting that there is no evidence or record to support claims of academic misconduct or integrity breaches against the INEC chairman.
