Students at the Malawi School of Government are facing a housing nightmare after the institution suspended campus accommodation just 29 days before reopening.
A student representative, who contacted Malawi24 anonymously, said the short notice has left students questioning how they are expected to secure alternative accommodation within such a limited period.
The student said MSG has attributed the suspension to concerns that its facilities, including hostels, the library and Zomba Hall, do not meet standards set by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
However, the student questioned why accommodation has become the immediate focus when several other facilities are also allegedly affected by the standards.
The student further claimed that the institution has given parents a different explanation, saying students were allegedly causing trouble on campus.
“We don’t know which is which,” the student said, expressing concern over what they described as conflicting explanations.
For students who depended on campus accommodation, the decision could mean finding rooms elsewhere, potentially bringing additional costs and logistical challenges as they prepare to return to school.
The student said learners have been asking management for clarity and a grace period to allow them more time to make alternative arrangements, but claimed their requests have not received satisfactory answers.
The concerns have also raised questions over timing, with the student claiming that MSG was warned by NCHE about the facilities in 2025, yet students were only informed about the accommodation suspension shortly before reopening.
The student questioned whether the institution could have communicated the decision earlier to give affected learners enough time to prepare, particularly those who may now have to secure accommodation away from campus.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Malawi24 understands that MSG and NCHE will need to provide their respective positions on the accommodation suspension and the reasons behind the timing of the decision.
