Student Innovation Solves Campus Meal Challenge as McPherson University Launches 'Chowtapp'

A team of McPherson University students and recent graduates has developed an innovative food delivery platform called Chowtapp, created to address the long-standing challenge of accessing meals during tight academic schedules.

Motivated by the need for a faster and more convenient system for ordering food on campus, the team designed a streamlined solution that enables staff and students to request meals and have them delivered to any location. Their work reflects the University’s growing culture of problem solving, creativity, and technology driven innovation.

At the helm of the project is Adesida John, a recent graduate and recipient of the prestigious Lisk Africa $5000 Innovation Grant. John explains that the idea for Chowtapp grew directly from everyday campus experiences. Students often rushed between classes, meetings, and study sessions without enough time to get food. “My friends and I would be hungry but too busy to walk across campus,” he said. “We eventually asked ourselves why no solution existed and decided to build one.”

Supporting him is a diverse and highly skilled team: Inioluwa Longe and Inioluwa Raheem (Tech Development), Victoria Kalejaiye (Growth and Creative Strategy), Ajayi Samuel (Graphics), Bamigbola John (Motion Graphics), and Woleshotit (Content Creation). Together, they combined technical expertise, design skills, content development, and market insight to shape a product that reflects the daily rhythm of campus life.

As the team moved into the early development phase, they engaged in extensive brainstorming, research, and real time problem solving, a process that demonstrates the kind of practical, innovation focused training McPherson University instills in its students. One of their biggest challenges was ensuring that the app remained simple, intuitive, and fast. “Campus life moves quickly,” John noted. “Chowtapp had to match that pace. Just a few taps and your food is on the way.” Consequently, balancing academic workloads with product development required discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to shared responsibility, qualities the institution consistently seeks to nurture.

The project’s turning point came during the McPherson University Tech Expo, where the team presented Chowtapp and emerged as the winning entry. The reception from students was immediate and enthusiastic. “People kept asking when it would launch,” John recalled. “That was the confirmation we needed. This was not just a good idea. It was a necessary solution.” The victory also highlighted the University’s capacity to produce students who can identify real problems and develop impactful, scalable solutions.

Furthermore, user feedback has continued to guide the evolution of the app. Students and staff suggested improvements to delivery locations, the flow of the app, and notification systems, which prompted several refinements. “Our community is not just using Chowtapp. They are helping build it,” he emphasized. This collaborative approach aligns with the University’s emphasis on continuous improvement, creativity, and community centred innovation.

To ensure a reliable and seamless user experience, the team relied on a cross-platform development framework supported by cloud services for data management, authentication, and secure payment processing. These choices allowed them to build efficiently, iterate rapidly, and maintain system stability as the user base expanded. Moreover, the technical decisions reflect the forward-thinking mindset McPherson University encourages in students preparing for careers in technology and digital transformation.

Chowtapp has already begun to make a visible impact on campus life. Staff and students now enjoy a convenient way to get meals without interrupting their schedules. For many, it has become part of their daily routine, providing a dependable connection between busy academic commitments and timely access to food. Its success shows the value of student driven innovation in enhancing everyday experiences within the University community.

Reflecting on the journey so far, John encourages other students to pursue innovative ideas with confidence and persistence. “Start with a real problem,” he said. “Build a simple version first, test it, and grow with feedback. Most importantly, build with a team. Chowtapp is what it is because of the people behind it.” His experience illustrates how McPherson University equips students with the vision and capability to create meaningful change.

Looking ahead, the team plans to strengthen the app’s operations on McPherson University’s campus before expanding to other institutions and, eventually, to city communities. Their long-term vision is clear: develop Chowtapp into a trusted, efficient, and widely accessible food delivery ecosystem, one campus at a time.

Ultimately, Chowtapp stands as a shining example of McPherson University’s commitment to training problem solvers, innovators, and change makers who are prepared to transform ideas into solutions that truly make a difference.