The little things we take for granted have a way of coming back to hurt us, such little things as names. What is in a name? It is bigger than you might think, ask David Lyon of Bayelsa State.
When effecting change of name, good caution is required maybe not for today but tommorow.
Names already stated in official documents must be rightly and legally changed. Mere newspaper publication for change of name is not enough for names that are already in the government archives. Mere swearing to an affidavit and nothing more is not enough. You must go further than that.

People now a days wake up and change their names under inspiration; and expect that such names have been automatically and legally changed.
That's not how it works, it requires more.
Many people bear names not even recognized by law, and by implication they are unknown to any form of National Archive.

That a particular name is reflected on your bank account does not automatically mean that you need not go through the required process of change of name.
Name on Birth certificate: The name on Your birth certificate is already archived in government record. To change this name is tantamount to changing the government archive and record. Mere swearing to an affidavit will never cut it.

Name on Educational Certificate: Educational certificates such as WAEC, NECO, Degree Certificate e.t.c can not be change by mere affidavit. It will suffice if such names are changed by the issuing authorities. The name on such certificate must be changed by the University or WAEC or such body that issued it. Such body must also apart from changing it in its record, also issue you another certificate to that effect, showing such change of name.



How can I Legally Change my Name?

1. By the issuing body:
As earlier mentioned, the issuing body of any such certificate in which the name you want to change is the best position to effect such change of name. In doing so the body must change its record to effect the new name and issue you a new certificate to that effect or any such evidence of the change of name.

2. By deed poll:
A deed poll is a legal deed made and executed by one party only.
How to change your name by deed poll:
1. Swear a court affidavit.
2. Publish it in a National Newspaper.
3. Effect such change of name to be published in Nigeria’s official gazette.
4. You must apply for a new government document effecting and reflecting your newly acquired name.


Position of Married Women under the Law:
There are instances where a married woman will want to change her surname to reflect that of her husband, in such instance a deed poll is the ideal requiment. This is because the decision of such change of name will start to reflect on all official documents and government record. After the deed poll is effected then formal notice will be attached to the Gazette can now be issued to her place of work and other necessary bodies.










Opatola Victor Esq.
Adeopatola@gmail.com
07069687425