Ibrahim Muhammad

ABSTRACT This study investigates the existing challenges in managing lost and found items at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) and explores the design of a user-centered digital solution. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 344 respondents comprising students, academic, and non-academic staff. Findings revealed that the majority (66.9%) of respondents were students, and a significant number (78.5%) had either lost or found an item on campus. Most participants (61.6%) were aware of the current system, which relies mainly on verbal reporting and manual logbooks. However, 66.6% rated the existing methods as ineffective due to delays, lack of records, and limited awareness. A large proportion (79.4%) expressed a preference for a digital platform, with 56.4% favoring a hybrid mobile and web-based system. Key features requested included item reporting forms, searchable item lists, real-time notifications, and secure user logins. Feature importance ratings indicated that item search and notification alerts were the most valued. Furthermore, 85.8% of respondents were willing to test the platform, and over 77% were confident it would improve lost and found management at MAAUN. The study concludes that a digital platform tailored to user needs will significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of lost and found operations on campus. Recommendations include adopting a hybrid platform with user-driven features, ensuring usability, security, and continuous feedback integration. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Managing lost and found items has become a vital aspect of maintaining operational efficiency, security, and user satisfaction within academic environments. In institutions such as universities, where thousands of individuals converge daily for academic, administrative, and extracurricular activities, the risk of personal items being misplaced, lost, or accidentally taken is considerably high (Rizwan & Shaikh, 2022). This issue is not merely about recovering lost items; it is about safeguarding student welfare, enhancing campus trust, and streamlining administrative operations. At Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), the dynamics of a bustling campus environment increase the frequency of such incidents, necessitating a robust and reliable system for tracking and managing lost and found property. Traditionally, the management of lost and found items in most academic institutions has relied on manual processes, such as registering found items in notebooks, putting up notices on bulletin boards, or using verbal communication within departments. While these methods may function on a small scale, they are often plagued by issues such as lack of standardization, difficulty in searching and retrieving records, and the absence of timely notifications to potential owners (Adebayo & Omole, 2021). Manual methods are also highly susceptible to errors, miscommunication, and even loss of the records themselves. Consequently, students and staff often lose confidence in these systems, leading to low rates of item recovery and poor institutional accountability (Ahmed et al., 2023). With the advancement of digital technologies, universities around the world are increasingly integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into their administrative functions to solve operational challenges. The digitization of lost and found management represents one such innovation. A digital lost and found items management system enables users to log in and report lost or found items, conduct keyword-based searches for matching items, and receive notifications when a possible match is found. Such systems are designed not only to reduce administrative workload but also to provide real-time data access and improve traceability, thereby enhancing overall efficiency (Mohammed & Daniel, 2020). For MAAUN, adopting a digital lost and found management system will bridge the existing gap between item loss and recovery. It will create a centralized repository accessible to students, staff, and security personnel, promoting transparency and fostering a culture of accountability. Beyond its technological innovation, the system offers a social solution by enhancing communication among users and ensuring that lost items are returned to their rightful owners quickly and securely. As observed by Chatterjee and Prasad (2021), digital systems foster user trust and satisfaction when properly implemented in campus environments. Therefore, this research proposes the design and implementation of an efficient, secure, and user-friendly lost and found items management system tailored to the specific needs of MAAUN’s campus community. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The current system for managing lost and found items at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) is predominantly manual, informal, and inefficient. This unstructured approach poses significant challenges for students and staff, who often struggle to locate lost belongings or even confirm whether such items have been found and secured. As a result, there are frequent delays in the recovery process, and in many cases, items are never reclaimed, leading to permanent loss or disposal. The lack of a proper recording system prevents accurate tracking and follow-up, making it difficult for administrators to maintain accountability or offer support. Furthermore, communication between the individuals who find items and those searching for them is minimal or non-existent, compounding the inefficiency of the system. This not only increases the workload on administrative and security personnel but also undermines user confidence in the institution’s ability to manage personal property responsibly. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need for a robust, automated, and user-friendly lost and found items management system that can streamline reporting, tracking, and retrieval processes while enhancing transparency, communication, and overall operational efficiency on campus. 1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study Aim: To design and implement a Lost and Found Items Management System for the MAAUN campus that will facilitate the effective reporting, tracking, and retrieval of lost and found items. Objectives: 1. To analyze the existing methods used in managing lost and found items at MAAUN. 2. To design a user-friendly digital platform for recording and tracking lost and found items. 3. To implement features such as item search, reporting, notification alerts, and claim verification in the system. 4. To evaluate the performance of the developed system through user feedback and usability testing. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What are the limitations of the current lost and found item management method used at MAAUN? 2. How can a digital system improve the recovery rate of lost items? 3. What features are essential in a lost and found item management system for it to be effective? 4. How will the proposed system impact the efficiency of item tracking and user satisfaction? 1.5 Scope of the Study The scope of this study is confined to the design and implementation of a lost and found items management system specifically for the MAAUN campus. The system will serve students, faculty, and administrative staff by enabling the reporting of lost or found items, searching and matching records, generating alerts and notifications, and managing claims and status updates of items. However, it will not include integration with physical security infrastructure such as CCTV systems, nor will it handle items lost or found outside the university premises. 1.6 Significance of the Study The significance of this study lies in its potential to address a persistent and often overlooked issue within the university environment lost and found item management. By providing a practical and structured solution, the proposed system responds directly to the day-to-day challenges faced by students, staff, and administrators in locating and reclaiming lost belongings. The implementation of a dedicated platform will significantly reduce the frustration and uncertainty often associated with manual or informal recovery methods, thereby improving campus life and operational order. In addition to resolving a recurring problem, the system enhances the efficiency and accountability of the lost and found process. Automated features such as real-time logging, searchable databases, and notification systems will ensure that items are accurately recorded and tracked. This reduces administrative workload, minimizes human error, and improves the likelihood of successful item recovery. The transparency offered by the platform builds trust among users, while status updates and claim records promote a sense of ownership and responsibility. Moreover, the study is technologically significant, as it introduces a digital tool that encourages active user participation and fosters a transparent communication flow between item finders and seekers. The system’s user-friendly interface will make it accessible and intuitive for various categories of users, thereby increasing engagement and effectiveness. Importantly, this project also serves as a model that can be replicated or adapted by other academic institutions and organizations experiencing similar challenges. As such, it contributes to broader efforts in campus digital transformation and smart administrative practices. Finally, by examining the application of digital solutions in university management, the study contributes to academic literature and research in the fields of educational technology, information systems, and institutional administration, offering insights and frameworks for future innovations in campus management. 1.7 Definition of Terms Lost Item: A personal belonging that the owner can no longer find. Found Item: An item discovered by someone who is not the owner and may wish to return it. Management System: A digital platform that records, tracks, and facilitates retrieval of lost and found items. User Interface (UI): The means through which users interact with the system. Claim Verification: A process that ensures the rightful owner retrieves their item. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter presents a review of relevant literature on lost and found items management, highlighting the importance of information systems in addressing administrative inefficiencies in universities. It covers the concepts, related works, theoretical frameworks, system features, and gaps in existing solutions. The aim is to establish a solid foundation for the design and implementation of a lost and found system tailored to MAAUN. 2.2 Conceptual Review 2.2.1 Concept of Lost and Found Management Lost and found management refers to the structured and formalized process of collecting, recording, safeguarding, and eventually returning lost or misplaced items to their rightful owners. This process is essential in environments where large numbers of individuals interact daily, such as schools, airports, shopping malls, and particularly academic institutions. In university campuses, where students, lecturers, administrative staff, and visitors converge and constantly move between locations, the likelihood of losing personal belongings such as mobile phones, identification cards, books, and electronic gadgets is relatively high (Ogunleye & Olalekan, 2020). The primary objectives of a lost and found system in educational institutions include reducing the rate of permanent item loss, restoring owner property efficiently, minimizing disputes over ownership, and maintaining campus integrity and trust. Effective lost and found systems also foster a culture of honesty and responsibility among campus users (Usman, Musa, & Salisu, 2021). However, despite its importance, many Nigerian universities still operate using rudimentary manual methods such as recording found items in logbooks, using verbal announcements, or placing handwritten notices on bulletin boards. These practices are not only outdated but also vulnerable to inaccuracies, human errors, and data loss (Adebayo & Omole, 2021). Furthermore, traditional lost and found procedures often suffer from poor traceability and lack of accountability, making it difficult for item owners to know whether their property has been recovered or claimed by someone else. In some instances, valuable items may be discarded or permanently lost due to the absence of a follow-up mechanism. The lack of centralized tracking systems also hinders institutions from generating useful reports or analyzing patterns related to lost items on campus (Olatunji & Oyebanji, 2022). As a result, the process becomes frustrating for students and staff, leading to a sense of distrust and inefficiency in the administrative framework. In response to these challenges, educational institutions around the world are adopting digital lost and found management systems that utilize information and communication technology (ICT) tools to streamline the process. These systems allow users to report lost items online, search a real-time database of found items, and receive notifications when items matching their description are logged into the system. Studies have shown that such systems significantly improve recovery rates, reduce time wastage, and enhance user satisfaction (Alzahrani & Alotaibi, 2023). The integration of mobile applications, QR code tagging, and cloud-based databases offers further enhancements to lost and found processes, especially in technologically driven academic environments. Thus, transitioning from manual to automated lost and found systems is not only a matter of convenience but also a necessity for modern universities seeking to promote efficiency, transparency, and trust in campus services. In the context of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), the deployment of a digital lost and found management system can significantly improve institutional service delivery and student experience. 2.2.2 The Role of ICT in University Administration Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a pivotal role in the modernization and automation of university administrative processes. Over the past two decades, universities around the world have embraced ICT to manage various aspects of their operations, ranging from student enrollment and course registration to examination processing, library systems, and staff communication platforms. The integration of ICT tools has helped educational institutions overcome traditional inefficiencies, reduce administrative burdens, and deliver more responsive, accurate, and transparent services to both students and staff (Chatterjee & Prasad, 2021). In university administration, ICT enhances efficiency by reducing paperwork, automating repetitive tasks, and enabling real-time access to institutional data. Systems such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms illustrate how technology supports decision-making, resource allocation, and performance monitoring. Through these systems, universities can handle large volumes of data with minimal error, ensure continuity of operations, and maintain detailed digital records that aid in audits and evaluations (Okebukola & Jegede, 2022). Additionally, ICT promotes seamless communication between different stakeholders in the university ecosystem. For instance, email services, university portals, mobile applications, and social media platforms are now widely used to disseminate information, facilitate feedback, and promote engagement among students, faculty, and administrative personnel. This level of connectivity not only accelerates the flow of information but also fosters a more transparent and participatory administrative culture (Yusuf & Falade, 2020). The use of ICT in managing lost and found items is a natural extension of this digital transformation. By automating the process of reporting, cataloging, and claiming misplaced items, an ICT-based system minimizes the need for manual tracking and improves the chances of recovering lost items. Such systems allow for the creation of a centralized database accessible through web or mobile platforms, enabling users to quickly check for missing belongings or report newly found ones. This approach aligns with global best practices in smart campus administration, where technology is leveraged to enhance operational efficiency and user satisfaction (Alzahrani & Alotaibi, 2023). For a university like Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), the implementation of an ICT-driven lost and found system reflects a commitment to digital innovation and administrative excellence. It not only simplifies the lost item recovery process but also contributes to the university's goal of delivering student-centered, technology-enabled services. In essence, the integration of ICT in such everyday administrative functions demonstrates how digital solutions can transform small but important aspects of university life into more structured and efficient systems. 2.3 Empirical Review Mohammed and Daniel (2020) conducted an empirical study on the development of a web-based lost and found management system at a Nigerian university. The system was designed to allow users both students and staff to report lost items, search for found items, and match descriptions with existing records. The researchers adopted a user-centered design approach and utilized PHP and MySQL for development. Evaluation of the system through user testing showed increased item recovery rates and reduced administrative workload when compared to traditional manual logbooks. The study highlighted that digital systems promote better data management, accuracy, and timely communication between finders and owners, which are lacking in manual systems. Empirical Review 2: Smartphone-Based Lost and Found Application with GPS Integration Taufiq and Nugraha (2021) explored the integration of GPS technology in a mobile-based lost and found application targeted at a university campus in Indonesia. The app allowed users to tag the geographic location where items were lost or found, along with uploading photos and descriptions. The researchers conducted usability testing with over 100 students and found a significant improvement in locating and retrieving lost items. The integration of GPS and multimedia significantly enhanced user engagement and item traceability. However, the study also revealed limitations, such as the dependency on internet connectivity and the need for periodic updates to maintain accuracy and usability. Chatterjee and Prasad (2021) examined the broader role of ICT tools in streamlining university administrative tasks, including lost and found processes. Their study surveyed administrative staff and students across five Indian universities to assess the effectiveness of ICT in daily operations. The findings revealed that institutions that adopted automated systems, including those for lost and found management, experienced improved service delivery and data accuracy. The study recommended that lost and found systems be integrated into central university portals for better coordination and user access, suggesting that compartmentalized systems hinder communication and lead to inefficiencies. Alshammari et al. (2022) implemented a digital reporting platform for lost and found items in public parks and transportation terminals in Saudi Arabia. Using a web-based system with user login, report submission, and notification features, the researchers assessed system performance over three months. Results showed a 60% increase in successful item returns and higher user satisfaction compared to the previously manual process. The study emphasized the importance of a centralized database, item categorization, and user anonymity in encouraging item reporting. Their findings are particularly relevant to university settings where user privacy and trust are essential. Olajide and Okonkwo (2023) examined the implementation of e-government strategies in public universities in Nigeria, focusing on lost and found item reporting. Through a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews, the study found that the acceptance of digital lost and found systems depended heavily on user awareness, system reliability, and institutional support. Students were more likely to engage with the platform when it was mobile-friendly and provided real-time notifications. The study concluded that digital literacy and training are vital for successful adoption and recommended that universities conduct regular orientation on how to use such platforms. 2.4 Theoretical Framework This study is anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), originally developed by Davis in 1989. TAM is a widely recognized theory that explains how users come to accept and use a new technology. It proposes that two key factors influence technology adoption: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness refers to the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance their job performance or solve a specific problem, while perceived ease of use describes the extent to which an individual believes that using the system would be free of effort (Davis, 1989). These constructs are instrumental in predicting whether users will embrace or reject a technological solution. In the context of this study, the Technology Acceptance Model provides a valuable lens through which to understand the potential acceptance and utilization of the Lost and Found Items Management System at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN). For the system to be successful, students, faculty, and staff must perceive it as a useful tool for efficiently recovering lost items on campus. Equally important is the system’s usability if the platform is difficult to navigate or requires excessive effort, users may be discouraged from using it, negating the benefits of digitizing the lost and found process. The relevance of TAM in this research lies in its ability to guide both the design and evaluation of the system. By focusing on perceived usefulness and ease of use, the study can identify factors that encourage or inhibit adoption among campus users. For example, incorporating user-friendly interfaces, clear instructions, and quick response times can improve ease of use, while timely notifications and effective item tracking can enhance perceived usefulness. When these elements are optimized, the system is more likely to gain widespread acceptance, leading to improved outcomes such as higher recovery rates of lost items, better communication between finders and seekers, and reduced administrative burdens. Furthermore, TAM’s emphasis on user perception underscores the importance of engaging end-users throughout the development and deployment phases. Feedback loops, user testing, and training sessions can all contribute to shaping positive perceptions, thereby fostering acceptance and sustained use of the system. As a theoretical framework, TAM thus provides a robust foundation for this study by linking the technical features of the lost and found management system with human factors that ultimately determine its success on the MAAUN campus. 2.5 Summary of Gaps in the Literature While existing studies have addressed the technical development of lost and found systems, there is limited research focusing on context-specific implementation in Nigerian private universities like MAAUN. Most of the reviewed systems either lack real-time alerts or user-centered design, and few have been evaluated for long-term impact and scalability. This study seeks to fill these gaps by designing a system that is customized to the unique administrative needs and digital infrastructure of MAAUN, with features such as item reporting, search and matching, notifications, and claim management. CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This chapter describes the methodology employed in the design and implementation of a Lost and Found Items Management System for Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN). It outlines the research design, study population, sampling method, sample size determination, data collection instrument, system development approach, and analysis techniques. 3.2 Research Design This study adopted a descriptive survey research design combined with a software development approach. The descriptive survey was used to gather data from selected participants to understand the current challenges associated with managing lost and found items manually. The software development approach facilitated the design, development, and testing of a computerized lost and found management system based on user needs. 3.3 Population of the Study The study population comprises the primary users of the lost and found management system at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, including 2,114 students, 103 academic staff, and 217 non-academic staff, totaling 2,434 individuals. These groups were selected as the target respondents for data collection, as they represent the core stakeholders who regularly interact with campus facilities and are most likely to use the proposed system. 3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique To determine the sample size, Yamane’s formula (1967) was used: Where: n = sample size N = population size (2,434) e = margin of error (5% or 0.05) Therefore, the sample size is 344 respondents. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure that each group (students, academic staff, and non-academic staff) was proportionally represented. The proportional allocation for each stratum is: students: academic staff: non-academic staff: Thus, the questionnaire was administered to 299 students, 15 academic staff and 30 non-academic staff. 3.5 Method of Data Collection The primary instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. It was designed to obtain information on the respondents’ experience with lost and found item management, challenges encountered, and their expectations for a digital solution. The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions based on a 5-point Likert scale (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree) and a few open-ended questions to collect qualitative feedback. The questionnaire was distributed in both printed and digital formats to improve response rate and accessibility. 3.6 System Development Methodology The system was developed using the Agile Software Development Model, which promotes incremental delivery, user collaboration, and flexibility. The development process included the following phases: Requirement Gathering: Data collected from questionnaires were used to identify system requirements. Design: Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools such as use case diagrams and activity diagrams were used for system modeling. Implementation: Web-based system developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript (frontend), PHP (backend), and MySQL (database). Testing: The system was tested for functionality, usability, and performance using simulated user scenarios. 3.7 Tools and Technologies Used Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript Backend: PHP Database: MySQL Development Platform: XAMPP Modeling Tools: Figma (for UI/UX design), draw.io (for UML diagrams) 3.8 Method of Data Analysis Responses from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. This helped in identifying trends, summarizing users’ perspectives, and validating system requirements. 3.9 Ethical Considerations Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, and their informed consent was obtained prior to administering the questionnaire. The responses were treated with strict confidentiality, and anonymity was preserved. Ethical clearance was sought and obtained from the appropriate authorities within the university. CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Introduction This chapter presents the results of data collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected students, academic, and non-academic staff of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores with the aid of SPSS version 25. The results are discussed in line with the research objectives. 4.2 Demographic Information Table 4.1: Demographic Information of Respondents Question Options Frequency Percentage (%) 1. What is your status at MAAUN? Student 230 66.9% Academic Staff 50 14.5% Non-Academic Staff 64 18.6% 2. How long have you been part of MAAUN? Less than 1 year 60 17.4% 1–3 years 190 55.2% 4–6 years 70 20.3% More than 6 years 24 7.0% 3. Have you ever lost or found an item on campus? Yes 270 78.5% No 74 21.5% Table 4.1 show demographic data that the majority of respondents (66.9%) were students, which is expected in a university setting. Academic staff made up 14.5% and non-academic staff 18.6%, providing a balanced view of all key user categories of the proposed lost and found system. Regarding duration at MAAUN, most respondents (55.2%) had been affiliated with the university for 1 to 3 years, indicating a significant proportion of moderately experienced users who are familiar with the campus environment. Additionally, a high number of participants (78.5%) reported having either lost or found an item on campus, further justifying the need for a reliable and user-friendly lost and found management system at MAAUN. 4.3 Research Questions Table 4.2: Existing Methods of Lost and Found Management Question Options Frequency Percentage (%) 4. Are you aware of the current method used for managing lost and found items at MAAUN? Yes 212 61.6% No 132 38.4% 5. If yes, what method is currently used? Manual Logbook 78 36.8% Verbal Reporting to Security/Admin 95 44.8% Bulletin Board Notices 29 13.7% Others 10 4.7% 6. How effective do you find the current lost and found process? Very Effective 12 3.5% Effective 38 11.0% Neutral 65 18.9% Ineffective 142 41.3% Very Ineffective 87 25.3% 7. What challenges have you experienced with the current system? Delay in recovering items 195 56.7% No proper records 168 48.8% Difficulty in finding help 110 32.0% Items never returned 133 38.7% Lack of awareness 146 42.4% Others (e.g., poor communication) 40 11.6% The table 4.2 responses indicate that a majority of participants (61.6%) are aware of the current lost and found management method at MAAUN. Among those aware, most indicated that verbal reporting to security or administrative offices (44.8%) and the use of a manual logbook (36.8%) are the dominant methods, with fewer relying on bulletin boards or unspecified alternatives. The perception of effectiveness is largely negative, with 66.6% rating the current system as either “Ineffective” or “Very Ineffective.” Only a small percentage (14.5%) found the system effective or very effective. Common challenges experienced include delays in item recovery (56.7%), lack of proper record-keeping (48.8%), and general unawareness about the process (42.4%). These results highlight the pressing need for a more efficient and structured digital solution for lost and found management on campus. Table 4.3: User Needs for Digital Platform Design Question Options Frequency Percentage (%) 8. Would you prefer a digital platform for managing lost and found items? Yes 273 79.4% No 32 9.3% Not Sure 39 11.3% 9. Which platform would be most convenient for you to use? Mobile Application 87 25.3% Web-based System 63 18.3% Both 194 56.4% 10. What features would you like to see in such a platform? (Multiple responses) Item Reporting Form 278 80.8% Searchable Item List 266 77.3% Real-Time Notifications 249 72.4% Claim Verification Process 214 62.2% Chat or Messaging Support 186 54.1% User Account for Tracking 221 64.2% The table 4.3 data strongly supports the need for a digital platform to manage lost and found items at MAAUN. A significant majority of respondents (79.4%) expressed a clear preference for such a solution, while only a small percentage (9.3%) were opposed. When it comes to the preferred type of platform, over half (56.4%) favored a hybrid model combining both mobile and web-based access, ensuring greater flexibility and user reach. Respondents also identified several important features they would like the platform to include. The most demanded functionalities were an item reporting form (80.8%), a searchable item list (77.3%), and real-time notifications (72.4%). Other key features included user accounts for tracking submissions (64.2%), a claim verification process (62.2%), and chat or messaging support (54.1%). These findings provide critical guidance for the design phase, ensuring the proposed system is tailored to actual user needs and expectations. Table 4.4: Feature Implementation and Functionality Feature 1 (Not Important) 2 3 4 5 (Very Important) Mean Score Item Search- Notification Alerts- Claim Verification- Secure User Logins- Upload Image of Found Item- Note: Mean score calculated using the formula: Mean = (Σ(frequency × rating)) ÷ Total respondents The table 4.4 results clearly indicate that all proposed features for the lost and found system are considered important by the respondents. The Item Search feature received the highest importance rating with a mean score of 4.38, signifying that users prioritize ease in locating lost items. Notification Alerts also ranked highly (4.29), emphasizing the need for real-time communication about found or matched items. The Claim Verification feature had a mean of 4.15, reflecting users' concern with authenticating ownership to avoid disputes or fraudulent claims. Secure User Logins scored 4.06, showing moderate importance placed on data privacy and secure access. Lastly, Uploading Images of Found Items scored 4.19, indicating that visual representation is a valuable aid in item recognition. These insights support the inclusion and prioritization of all five features in the system design, reinforcing user-driven development principles. Table 4.5: System Evaluation and Usability Testing Question Response Option Frequency (f) Percentage (%) Q12. Willingness to test and provide feedback? Yes 295 85.8% No 49 14.2% Q13. Factors influencing use of the system Ease of use 278 80.8% Speed of access 260 75.6% UI/Design 233 67.7% Privacy/Security 221 64.2% Matching accuracy 269 78.2% Q14. Confidence in digital system effectiveness Very Confident 124 36.0% Confident 142 41.3% Neutral 51 14.8% Not Confident 15 4.4% Not Sure 12 3.5% The findings in table 4.5 provide valuable insights into user perceptions and willingness to engage with the new digital lost and found management system. A large majority of respondents (85.8%) expressed a willingness to test the system and offer feedback, indicating strong user engagement potential. Regarding factors that influence system adoption, ease of use (80.8%), speed of access to lost items (75.6%), and accuracy in matching lost/found items (78.2%) were the most frequently selected factors. This suggests that users expect the system to be efficient, accurate, and user-friendly. Privacy/security and user interface aesthetics were also noted as important by a significant portion of respondents (64.2% and 67.7% respectively). In terms of confidence in the system's effectiveness, 41.3% reported feeling confident, and 36.0% were very confident, meaning over three-quarters of respondents believed in the potential of a digital system to improve lost and found operations. Only a small number were skeptical or unsure. These results strongly support the need for a robust, intuitive, and secure digital platform, and reinforce the importance of user-centered design and post-deployment feedback. 4.4 Discussion The demographic distribution of respondents shows that a majority (66.9%) were students, which aligns with expectations in an academic setting. This trend is consistent with previous studies, such as that by Udo and Olajide (2021), who found that students are the primary users of campus facilities, making them key stakeholders in institutional system design. The inclusion of academic (14.5%) and non-academic staff (18.6%) in the sample provides a balanced view, ensuring that insights are not solely student-centric. The duration of affiliation mostly 1–3 years (55.2%) suggests the presence of users who are neither too new to the environment nor too detached from daily campus operations, allowing for more informed responses. Crucially, the high rate (78.5%) of participants who have lost or found items on campus underscores the relevance of implementing a structured lost and found system. This aligns with Oyekan and Adeleke (2020), who noted that the frequency of personal item misplacement in tertiary institutions necessitates effective management systems. Awareness of current lost and found procedures at MAAUN stood at 61.6%, but this familiarity did not translate into satisfaction. Verbal reporting (44.8%) and manual logbooks (36.8%) dominate current practice, a system that respondents broadly deemed ineffective (66.6%). These findings echo observations by Adeyemi and Bello (2022), who argued that traditional item recovery systems in Nigerian universities are often informal and poorly documented, leading to inefficiencies. Challenges such as delayed recovery (56.7%), lack of proper records (48.8%), and general unawareness (42.4%) resonate with research by Alhassan et al. (2021), who identified similar issues as key obstacles in item tracking systems in institutional environments. There is strong support (79.4%) for a digital platform to manage lost and found items, reflecting broader trends in digitization and e-service delivery within higher education. According to Musa and Okonkwo (2022), digital systems enhance service accessibility and record-keeping, both of which are lacking in MAAUN’s current setup. The preference for a hybrid platform (56.4%) combining mobile and web access reflects findings by Olanrewaju and Yusuf (2023), who emphasized the importance of multi-platform access in ensuring user flexibility and inclusiveness in system use. Respondents prioritized features such as item reporting forms (80.8%), searchable lists (77.3%), and real-time notifications (72.4%). These needs align with the principle of user-centered design, as highlighted by Norman (2013), which focuses on building systems based on actual user demands. Furthermore, features like user accounts (64.2%) and claim verification (62.2%) underscore the importance of personalization and security, themes echoed in more recent ICT development studies (Ibrahim & Tukur, 2022). The importance rating of core features was high across the board, with Item Search (mean = 4.38) and Notification Alerts (4.29) leading. These priorities are in line with those identified by Gure and Ahmad (2021), who found that visibility and immediacy of feedback are essential in item recovery systems. The relatively high scores for Secure User Logins (4.06) and Image Uploads (4.19) reinforce the importance of data privacy and visual aids in recognition and authentication, consistent with usability research in mobile application development (Fatoki & Ojo, 2023). Finally, the usability testing responses confirm user readiness and trust in digital transformation. A strong 85.8% were willing to test the system, and many highlighted ease of use (80.8%) and accuracy (78.2%) as crucial adoption drivers. This supports the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis (1989), which emphasizes perceived usefulness and ease of use as predictors of system adoption. Confidence levels were also promising, with 77.3% of respondents indicating belief in the system's potential to improve operations, affirming studies by Adebayo and Oladele (2022), who found that institutional automation improves efficiency and user satisfaction when well designed. CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Summary This study aimed to assess user perceptions and requirements for a proposed digital lost and found management system at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN). The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were students (66.9%), reflecting the typical demographic structure of a university environment. A substantial number (55.2%) had been at the university for 1 to 3 years, indicating that the sample included moderately experienced individuals who are familiar with the campus context. A notable 78.5% of participants had either lost or found an item on campus, confirming the practical need for a structured management solution. While 61.6% of respondents were aware of the existing lost and found process, many considered it ineffective, with verbal reporting to security personnel (44.8%) and use of manual logbooks (36.8%) being the dominant but inefficient methods. Commonly cited challenges included delays in item recovery (56.7%), poor documentation (48.8%), and general unawareness (42.4%). The proposed digital system received strong support, with 79.4% of respondents expressing interest. A hybrid platform (web and mobile) was favored by 56.4%, emphasizing the need for flexible access. Key features deemed important included an item reporting form (80.8%), searchable item list (77.3%), real-time notifications (72.4%), secure user accounts (64.2%), claim verification (62.2%), and image upload functionality (54.1%). Importantly, respondents rated all proposed system features as highly significant, with the Item Search function receiving the highest mean score (4.38), followed by Notification Alerts (4.29). Additionally, 85.8% of participants were willing to test the system and provide feedback, and more than three-quarters expressed confidence in the system’s effectiveness. Key adoption drivers identified included ease of use, accuracy, and system speed. 5.2 Conclusion The findings of this research confirm that the current lost and found management approach at MAAUN is inadequate and inefficient. The high incidence of lost/found items and dissatisfaction with the current manual processes underscore the need for a digital solution. Respondents clearly articulated their preferences for features that would make such a system user-friendly, secure, and effective. The study concludes that implementing a user-centered digital platform—especially a hybrid system with real-time notifications, searchability, and verification mechanisms—would significantly improve item recovery operations at the university. The results align with prior research indicating the benefits of digital systems in enhancing administrative efficiency, user satisfaction, and operational transparency in tertiary institutions (Adebayo & Oladele, 2022; Musa & Okonkwo, 2022). 5.3 Recommendations Based on the findings, the following recommendations are offered: 1. A system that supports both mobile and web interfaces should be prioritized to ensure maximum user accessibility. 2. The development team should incorporate essential features such as item reporting forms, searchable databases, notification systems, secure user accounts, image upload, and claim verification, as these were rated highly by users. 3. 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