By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja | Media360Impact Report
A legal scholar and alumnus of the University of Jos, Dr. John B. Mahwel, has come to the defence of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), amid ongoing criticisms by former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.
In a detailed public statement, Mahwel dismissed allegations questioning Prof. Amupitan’s integrity, describing them as “false, misleading and unacceptable.”
Mahwel, a member of the Faculty of Law’s 2009 graduating class of the University of Jos, said his intervention was necessary to “set the record straight,” citing his direct experience as both a student and later a lecturer under Amupitan.
While acknowledging both Amupitan and Dalung as distinguished alumni of the institution, Mahwel stressed that his position was grounded in facts rather than sentiment or shared affiliations.
Recounting his academic journey, he noted that he was taught Law of Evidence by Prof. Amupitan and later worked alongside him for over a decade. He described the INEC chairman as a mentor who supported his academic growth strictly on merit.
On Dalung, Mahwel recalled his tenure as a course coordinator known for a unique teaching approach before transitioning into politics, where he later served as a federal minister.
Addressing the controversy, Mahwel rejected claims that Amupitan was involved in academic misconduct during the 2009 academic session. He clarified that while issues of result manipulation occurred, they were traced to lapses in administrative processes involving non-academic staff.
According to him, it was under Amupitan’s leadership as Dean that the discrepancies were uncovered and corrected through an internal investigation. The process led to the reversal of improperly awarded grades and, in some cases, delayed graduations for affected students.
Mahwel described the action as a “demonstration of institutional integrity,” rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
He 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 such claims, noting that Amupitan was not Dean when Dalung pursued his postgraduate studies. He further emphasized that academic decisions are made collectively, limiting the ability of any single official to victimise a student.
While expressing respect for both figures, Mahwel cautioned against the politicisation of sensitive institutional matters, especially amid heightened political activity.
He urged public figures to exercise restraint, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and undermine confidence in key national institutions.
Mahwel reaffirmed that Prof. Amupitan’s record reflects integrity and professionalism, calling on the public to rely on verifiable facts rather than politically driven narratives.
