FUTA student develops app for library access control

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) is embracing innovation in its library services with the deployment of a software developed by one of its students for access control.

The software, named TouchNut, was developed by a team led by Daniel Adeniyi, a 400-level student of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. It is now being used to regulate entry and exit of students into the Albert Ilemobade Library and to monitor activities. Registration of new students on the app platform is also progressing appreciably.

TouchNut provides an easy to use identification system that helps the security unit to monitor the activities that go on in the library. It also provides an Intranet server that contains student’s information and comes with an intranet connection. Its server is also well secured ensuring the security of students’ information from easy access on the internet.

With the TouchNut app, students can borrow books and library staff will not need to worry about their return on their expiration date because the software would track down the student’s card and notify the staff.

TouchNut also helps the circulation unit to create user profiles for students, develop and assign cards as well.

Adeniyi said he was motivated to develop the software after noticing some challenges in the library system. He said he wanted to create a solution that would make the library more efficient, user-friendly and secure.

He said he faced some difficulties in developing the software, such as lack of funds, equipment and support. He said he had to use his personal laptop and phone to test the software and also seek help from some lecturers and friends.

He said he was grateful to the university management and the library staff for giving him the opportunity to deploy his software in the library. He said he hoped his software would inspire other students to come up with innovative solutions to problems in the society.

He said he plans to improve his software by adding more features, such as online reservation of books, e-books access, feedback system and chatbot. He said he also hopes to extend his software to other institutions and organizations that need access control systems.