The Unconcerned Approach towards Names in Nigeria is Stirring Up Controversy

The recent Nigerian presidential elections have sparked controversy over the top candidates presenting academic records with different names than what they are currently known as. Allegations of forgery and impersonation have been made and denied by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi. The issue of multiple names is common in Nigeria, as individuals often have traditional names, English names, and names given by grandparents. Some may also change their names for personal reasons or when in a new environment. This can lead to discrepancies on official documents, which is a common issue in Nigeria's record-keeping systems. Apathetic civil servants often overlook inaccuracies, and bribes can be used to avoid scrutiny. The ease with which incorrect information can be obtained has been highlighted in investigative reports. This casual attitude towards names was also observed when working with charities offering support to the Chibok community after the kidnapping of the schoolgirls by Boko Haram. Some girls who were not victims were enrolled in scholarship programs meant for the actual victims without notifying the charities. It is likely that these young women will continue to use someone else's name for the rest of their academic lives. The ongoing controversy surrounding the candidates' name discrepancies may have political implications, but it also raises the need for Nigerians to legally harmonize their multiple names on official records.