Court slaps Blantyre International University
The High Court has ordered that Blantyre International University (BIU) pay the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) a sum of MK19.805 million within 14 days as legal costs, following the dismissal of BIU’s lawsuit against the higher education authority.
This case originated when BIU filed a lawsuit against NCHE, claiming damages for purported business losses, inconvenience, and legal expenses due to the university’s de-accreditation.
However, on September 5, 2025, the court dismissed BIU’s claims and ruled in favor of NCHE, awarding them costs.
Subsequently, NCHE presented a bill for costs totaling MK24.125 million, which BIU contested, asserting that many of the claims, such as legal fees, time spent on documentation, and disbursements, were unreasonable.
In an assessing order dated August 26, 2026, Assistant Registrar Benjamin Chulu adjusted several claimed amounts, including the hours billed for taking instructions, document preparation and review, legal authority research, and bill preparation.
The court also decreased the disbursement claim from MK4 million to MK3 million.
Ultimately, the court awarded NCHE MK17 million in assessed party-and-party costs along with MK2.805 million in VAT, resulting in a total of MK19.805 million.
