Nigerian Woman's Firm Decision on Surname Retention Goes Viral
A Nigerian woman has captured significant attention across social media platforms by firmly declaring that she will not change her surname after marriage. The lady, identified as Chiamaka UBA, made her stance clear in a widely circulated video, stating that keeping her name is non-negotiable. This bold declaration has sparked a mixture of reactions from netizens, highlighting diverse perspectives on marital traditions and personal identity.
Unwavering Stance on Name Retention
In the video, Chiamaka UBA emphasized that she has no intention of altering her surname for any man, describing her decision as absolutely non-negotiable. She explained that she typically makes this position clear from the beginning of any romantic relationship to avoid misunderstandings. According to her, while her future children could bear their father's surname, she herself would maintain her own family name without compromise.
Chiamaka stated emphatically: "If we have kids, your kids can bear your name. I don't bloody care. The kids, they have their own free will to an extent, they have their own free will. But I'm not going to change my name for no man."
Legal Safeguards Through Prenuptial Agreement
The woman further revealed her intention to include this decision in a prenuptial agreement to prevent future disagreements with her prospective husband. She issued a clear warning to potential partners, advising those who disagree with her stance to simply move on rather than attempt to change her mind.
She declared: "Chiamaka UBA till I die. Deal or no deal. I'm now even mentioning this prenup. I'm going to put that on my prenup. So on no account should you disturb my head that I should change my surname because I'm not going to change my surname. My surname is U-B-A. And that's what it's going to be till I die. I'm sorry. If you don't want it, move. Vamoose. Get out of my sight."
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
The video has generated diverse responses from Nigerians across various social media platforms. Some commenters praised her courage and clarity, while others expressed more traditional viewpoints on marital name changes.
- Odgwu Prince TJ commented: "I admire your courage to speak in the absence of knowledge."
- Uche stated: "This is the right decision. Make your stands very early so they can move along to someone else."
- Rachael Okafor shared: "I am married but I do not change my surname and my kids bear my father's surname and my husband's surname because the country we live in does not allow a woman to carry their husband's name."
- Kelvin remarked: "Your life your choice it's for who is looking your way."
Legal Perspective on Surname Changes in Nigeria
This discussion comes amid previous legal clarifications regarding surname changes in Nigerian marriages. A trained lawyer has previously explained that there is no Nigerian law that compels a woman to change her name after marriage. According to legal experts, the decision to change or retain one's surname after marriage remains entirely a matter of personal choice rather than legal requirement in Nigeria.
The lawyer further clarified that there is similarly no legal mandate requiring a woman to revert to her maiden name following a divorce. These legal perspectives provide important context for understanding that surname changes in marital contexts are based on tradition and personal preference rather than statutory obligations.
This viral story highlights evolving conversations about gender norms, personal identity, and marital traditions in contemporary Nigerian society. As more women make independent choices regarding their names and identities within marriage, such discussions continue to shape social understanding of personal rights and cultural expectations.
