How to Get an Affidavit of Name Change in Nigeria: An affidavit of name change, sometimes called a deed poll or statutory declaration of name, is one of the most useful documents you can have ready if your name appears inconsistently across your academic and identification records. It’s also one of the most misunderstood, with many applicants unsure of exactly where to get one, how much it costs, or how long it remains valid.
When You Actually Need One
You need this specifically when your name appears differently across two or more official documents, for example, a maiden name on your WAEC certificate but a married name on your degree certificate, or a name that was spelled slightly differently between your birth certificate and your NYSC documentation. Recruitment document verification almost always requires a formal affidavit to bridge this gap, rather than simply accepting a verbal explanation.
Where to Get One
Affidavits of name change are sworn at a High Court registry, before a Commissioner for Oaths, or through a practicing lawyer authorized to administer oaths. Many state High Courts have a dedicated registry desk specifically for affidavits, which tends to be faster than going through a private lawyer, though both routes are equally legally valid.
Step-by-Step Process
- Draft the affidavit content, either yourself or with a lawyer’s help, clearly stating your former name, your current name, and a brief explanation for the change (such as marriage, correction of a spelling error, or a name you’ve always used informally that differs from your birth certificate).
- Visit a High Court registry or a Commissioner for Oaths with your draft, along with the original identification or documents that show both name versions.
- Have the affidavit formally sworn and stamped, which typically happens the same day in most state High Court registries.
- Pay the applicable fee, which is generally modest and varies slightly by state, court, or whether you use a private lawyer instead of the court registry directly.
- Keep multiple certified copies, since you’ll likely need to submit this alongside several different applications over time, not just one.
How Long It Remains Valid
An affidavit of name change generally doesn’t expire and remains valid indefinitely once sworn, unlike documents such as international passports or voter’s cards that require periodic renewal. This makes it worth getting done early and keeping permanently in your document folder, rather than waiting until a specific application forces the issue.
A Practical Note
Avoid using informal “affidavit writers” who operate outside official court registries and lawyers’ offices, since documents sworn through unauthorized channels can be rejected during formal verification. Stick to recognized High Court registries or licensed legal practitioners to ensure your affidavit holds up under scrutiny.