By Gabriel Ameh
The Faculty of Law at the University of Jos has dismissed allegations made by former minister, Solomon Dalung, against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The rebuttal follows a viral interview granted by Dalung on Trust TV, where he alleged irregularities involving the manipulation of academic results during Amupitan’s tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Law between 2008 and 2014.
In a statement signed by the current Dean, Professor Francis M. Kwede, the Faculty said there was no evidence to support claims that results of students in the 2009/2010 academic session were altered in favour of any group.
According to the Faculty, no such incident occurred in that class or any other, stressing that academic processes during the period were transparent and credible.
The statement explained that under Amupitan’s leadership, the Faculty introduced the use of Excel spreadsheets for result computation, replacing the previous manual system prone to delays and errors.
It noted that the innovation improved accuracy, efficiency, and timely release of results, enabling students to meet deadlines for admission into the Nigerian Law School.
The Faculty further rejected claims questioning Amupitan’s integrity, describing them as baseless and lacking substance.
It added that the allegations were made in the context of partisan political discourse and should be disregarded by the public.
On claims of victimisation, the Faculty maintained that no student, including Dalung, was ever subjected to unfair treatment during their academic pursuit.
It clarified that Dalung successfully completed his postgraduate studies and obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in 2010, making allegations of victimisation untenable.
The statement also noted that there was no record indicating that Dalung had ever challenged or represented students over alleged result manipulation during his time at the Faculty.
The Faculty concluded that Amupitan’s tenure was marked by academic and infrastructural progress, as well as a reputation for integrity and professionalism within the university system.
It urged the public to disregard the allegations and avoid being misled by claims made in politically charged contexts.
