Nigerian woman Chiamaka UBA refuses to change her surname after marriage, plans to include her decision in a prenuptial agreement

A Nigerian woman has gone viral after declaring she will not change her surname after marriage, insisting her decision is non-negotiable and warning potential partners to accept it or move on.

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Chiamaka UBA made her stance clear in a TikTok video, stating that while her children could bear their father’s surname, she intends to retain her own for life.

She further revealed plans to formalise the decision in a prenuptial agreement to avoid future disagreements.

In the video, UBA said: “Chiamaka UBA till I die. Deal or no deal. I’m going to put that on my prenup. 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. That’s what it’s going to be till I die. If you don’t want it, move. Vamoose. Get out of my sight.”

Her declaration has sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised her boldness and early clarity in relationships, while others debated the cultural expectations surrounding surname changes after marriage. Netizens on TikTok shared supportive messages, including:

“I admire your courage to speak in the absence of knowledge,” wrote Odogwu Prince TJ.
“This is the right decision. Make your stands very early so they can move along to someone else,” commented Uche.
“Your life your choice; it’s for who is looking your way,” added Kelvin.

Legal experts confirm that Nigerian law does not compel a woman to adopt her husband’s surname after marriage.

The choice to change—or keep—a surname is personal and voluntary, and there is no legal requirement to alter it after divorce either.

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UBA’s story highlights evolving attitudes towards traditional marital conventions in Nigeria, and her use of a prenuptial agreement to formalise her decision has sparked conversation on autonomy, gender roles, and family identity in modern society.