Amupitan Not Corrupt, Ex-Student Counters Dalung’s Claims.
A legal scholar and alumnus of the University of Jos, Dr. John B. Mahwel, has defended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), amid public criticisms by former Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Solomon Dalung.
In a detailed statement, Mahwel dismissed allegations questioning Amupitan’s integrity as “false, misleading and unacceptable,” citing his personal experience as both a student and later a lecturer under the INEC chairman.
Mahwel, a member of the University of Jos Faculty of Law’s 2009 graduating class, said he was compelled to speak out to “set the record straight.” He noted that while both Amupitan and Dalung are distinguished alumni of the faculty, his position was based strictly on verifiable facts.
He recalled being taught Law of Evidence by Amupitan and working alongside him for over a decade, describing him as a mentor who supported his academic progression on merit.
Speaking on Dalung, Mahwel acknowledged his role as a course coordinator with a distinctive teaching style before his transition into politics and eventual appointment as a federal minister.
Addressing the controversy, Mahwel rejected claims linking Amupitan to academic misconduct during the 2009 academic session. He explained that while issues of result manipulation did arise, they were traced to administrative lapses involving non academic staff.
According to him, the discrepancies were uncovered and addressed under Amupitan’s leadership as Dean through an internal investigation, leading to the correction of grades and, in some cases, delayed graduations.
He described the actions taken as evidence of “institutional integrity” rather than wrongdoing.
Mahwel also refuted claims that a serving Deputy Inspector General of Police graduated in the 2009 set with disputed results, stating that no such individual existed in his class to his knowledge.
On allegations that Amupitan frustrated Dalung academically, Mahwel argued that the timeline does not support the claim, noting that Amupitan was not Dean during Dalung’s postgraduate studies. He added that academic decisions are typically made collectively, limiting the possibility of individual victimisation.
While expressing respect for both men, Mahwel cautioned against politicising sensitive academic matters, particularly amid heightened political activity. He urged public figures to exercise restraint, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and erode trust in key institutions.
Mahwel reaffirmed that Amupitan’s record reflects integrity and professionalism, calling on the public to rely on verified facts rather than politically driven narratives.
