The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has commenced the trial phase of an application created by one of its students. The institution’s Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, Adegbenro Adebanjo, made this announcement in a statement issued in Akure on Thursday.
According to the statement, the library of FUTA has initiated a pilot test run of the software, which was developed by a student, for access control. The project received approval from the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adenike Oladiji.
The software, named TouchNut, has been developed by a team led by Daniel Adeniyi, a 400 Level student from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. It is currently being utilized to regulate the entry and exit of students into the Albert Ilemobade Library and to monitor the library’s activities.
Adeniyi highlighted that one of the major advantages of TouchNut is its user-friendly identification system, which aids the security unit in monitoring library activities effectively. The software incorporates an intranet server that stores students’ information and facilitates intranet connectivity. Additionally, the software application server is highly secure.
With the implementation of the TouchNut app, students can easily borrow books, and library staff members no longer need to be concerned about the timely return of books. The software will track students’ cards and notify the staff about any overdue items.
The TouchNut identification software will prove beneficial to three key units within the library. Firstly, it will assist the security unit in monitoring the entry and exit of individuals from the library. Secondly, the circulation unit will benefit from the software by enabling the creation of user profiles for students and the issuance of library cards. Lastly, the management unit will have complete oversight of all library activities.
The application is also planned for deployment in other areas of campus activities. Following the test run, steps will be taken to implement the software in other relevant areas, including campus shuttle transportation.
The development of this software demonstrates FUTA’s commitment to supporting students in product development, intellectual property registration, and commercialization of their innovations.