Ever felt the stress of lining up at a lawyer’s office or Commissioner for Oaths, only to spend hours waiting just to swear a simple statement? If you’re a student juggling lectures, assignments, and tight schedules, the last thing you need is another time-consuming errand. Fortunately, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has launched an E‑Affidavit portal to streamline the process, letting you complete your affidavit application entirely online. No more printing forms, battling traffic, or waiting in long queues—everything can be handled from your phone or laptop. In this guide, we’ll break down each step clearly, so you can secure your sworn affidavit quickly, efficiently, and with zero stress.
Why the E-Affidavit System Matters for Students
Affidavits are often required for name changes, proof of identity, or declarations in academic matters. Traditionally, you’d have to find a lawyer or commissioner, wait in line, and physically sign documents. The E-Affidavit system, launched on July 1, 2024, under the Federal High Court (Practice Direction on E-Affidavit) 2024, replaces much of that hassle with a full online process. Here’s why you should use it:
- Time-Saving: No more traffic jams or waiting in waiting rooms.
- 24/7 Access: Complete your application any time of day or night.
- Standardized Process: The portal guides you through every required field.
Getting Started: Accessing the Portal
- Visit the Portal: Open your browser and go to https://portal.fhc.gov.ng.
- Create an Account: Click “REGISTER,” then enter your email and pick a strong password. Use an email you check regularly (e.g., your school address).
- Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a confirmation link. Clicking it activates your account.
Tip: Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email within a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Now that your profile is fully set up and verified, let’s navigate the core application process in depth. Each of the following stages—from accessing your dashboard to downloading the final affidavit—includes annotated tips to ensure you breeze through without hiccups:
1. Log In and Update Your Profile
- Log In: Enter your registered email and password.
- Profile Update: Navigate to the “Profile” section. Fill in your full name, date of birth, contact details, and National Identification Number (NIN). Click “Save.”
2. Start a New Application
- Click on New Application from your dashboard.
- Select the Type of Affidavit you need, for example:
- Affidavit of Change of Name
- Affidavit of Loss of Item(s)
- Affidavit of Good Conduct
- Personal Affidavit
3. Complete the Application Form
- Enter Required Details: Depending on your affidavit type, you might need:
- Your full name as it appears on school records.
- Reason for the affidavit (e.g., lost WAEC certificate, name mismatch).
- Date and place of occurrence (if applicable).
- Secondary ID: You’ll be asked to upload or provide details for a secondary ID, such as a Driver’s Licence, Voter’s Card, or International Passport.
- Preview: Before submitting, click “Preview” to check for typos or missing fields.
4. Submit and Pay
- Submit Application: Once you’re sure everything is correct, click “Submit.”
after submission, you’ll be redirected to the payment page. - Payment Options: Pay via bank transfer or supported online payment gateways. The fees are set by the Chief Judge and may change, so check the portal for the current rate.
5. Wait for Approval
- Your application is forwarded electronically to a Commissioner for Oaths on the E-filing Unit’s task force.
- Approval times can vary; allow up to 48 hours. You’ll receive an email notification when your affidavit is ready.
6. Download Your Affidavit
- Log back into the portal.
- Go to Affidavits Card on your dashboard.
- Click Download next to your approved affidavit. Save it as a PDF and print if needed.
Types of Affidavits Available
The Online Affidavit portal supports a broad range of affidavit types, including:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal | Good Conduct, Bachelorhood, Spinsterhood |
| Name Changes | Change/Correction/Harmonization of Name(s) |
| Age/Birth | Statutory Declaration of Age, Correction of DOB |
| Loss/Declaration | Affidavit of Loss of Item(s), Marriage Declaration |
| Legal/Business | Authorization, Tender, Withholding Tax |
| Attestation | Attestation, Financial Capability |
Students typically use: Affidavits of loss (e.g., lost school certificate) or name corrections (e.g., discrepancies in exam records).
Important Tips for Students
- Have Your NIN Ready: Your NIN is mandatory. If you haven’t registered for NIN, do so at an NIMC enrollment center before applying.
- Use Clear IDs: If you upload a photo of your licence or passport, ensure all text is legible.
- Draft Your Statement: Write your affidavit text (reason for swearing) in a Word document first, then copy it into the portal form. This helps avoid losing data.
- Check Portal Announcements: Look out for maintenance notices or fee updates.
Conclusion
Getting an affidavit online in Nigeria has never been easier, thanks to the Federal High Court’s E-Affidavit system. As a student, you can breeze through the process in a few clicks—no more traffic jams or long lines. Just register, apply, pay, and download your affidavit from the comfort of your home. Next time you need a sworn statement for school or personal matters, let the E-Affidavit portal do the work for you!
Ready to get started? Head over to https://portal.fhc.gov.ng and register today.
