Hey there! If you’ve just finished secondary school and you’re staring at your WAEC certificate wondering why your name or date of birth looks off—don’t panic. You’re not alone. A lot of students make mistakes during registration. In this post, we’ll explain how to correct WAEC certificate wrong date of birth, change of names easily. We’ll keep it simple, real, and straight to the point.
Can You Correct a Wrong Date of Birth on Your WAEC Certificate?
Let’s be honest with you: you can’t change your date of birth on your WAEC certificate anymore. WAEC stopped accepting changes like that since 2019, and they’ve confirmed it again in 2023 through their official social media handle.

Why? WAEC says too many people were trying to cheat the system by reducing their age. So now, even students with honest mistakes can’t fix it.
What Can You Do Instead?
- Get a court affidavit that shows your real date of birth.
- Use your birth certificate when applying for school or jobs.
- Carry along other IDs like NIN or international passport that show the correct date.
But just so you know—this won’t change what’s on the WAEC certificate itself. Some schools or offices might still accept it if you explain with documents.
How To Correct Your Name on Your WAEC Certificate
Now here’s the good news: you can still change your name on your WAEC certificate if something’s wrong. Maybe your name was spelled incorrectly, or it was entered in the wrong order. WAEC allows name changes—but it’s a process.
Follow These Steps to Fix Your Name:
- Go to Any WAEC Office Nearby
Just visit the WAEC office closest to you. If your case is serious, try the Lagos head office. - Write a Letter
You’ll need to write a short letter to WAEC explaining the mistake in your name and what it should be. - Bring These Documents
- Your birth certificate
- The WAEC certificate with the wrong name
- A sworn affidavit (get this from any state high court)
- A letter from your school, if available, confirming who you are
- Pay the Fee
It usually costs around ₦10,000, but it’s good to ask before you go. - Wait for It to Be Done
Corrections can take 6 to 12 months, so be patient. If you need results urgently, ask about an attestation of result.
Quick Table: How To Fix Your Name
Step | What To Do |
---|---|
Visit WAEC Office | Go to the nearest WAEC office. |
Write a Letter | Explain what’s wrong and the correct version. |
Bring Documents | Birth certificate, affidavit, WAEC cert, and school letter. |
Pay the Fee | Around ₦10,000. |
Be Patient | It can take up to a year. |
Final Thoughts
So if you’ve been asking how to correct WAEC certificate wrong date of birth, change of names easily, now you know the real deal. Date of birth? Not possible anymore. Name change? Yes, but it takes time and paperwork.
We know it’s not the easiest thing to fix, but at least now you’ve got the facts. And remember, don’t wait till it’s urgent. If you see any mistake, start fixing it early.
If you’re unsure, go to a WAEC office near you or visit the official platform: WAEC e-Certificate portal for more info.
Got questions or tried fixing your WAEC details before? Share your story—it might help your fellow students!