DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WEB-BASED LOST AND FOUND SYSTEM (CASE STUDY OF PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY)

This research project presents the development and implementation of a web-based Lost and Found Management System for Plateau State University (PLASU). The study employed a systematic research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods through student surveys and interviews to analyze the challenges students face in recovering lost items such as ATM cards, keys, textbooks, and personal belongings. The research methodology encompassed requirement analysis, system design, development, testing, and deployment phases, utilizing the Django framework with PostgreSQL database for implementation. The project successfully achieved its primary objectives by developing a secure and efficient web-based platform that increased student item recovery rates by 65% through automated notifications, reduced the time spent searching for lost items by 40% with a user-friendly interface, and established a robust verification system for item claims. A three-month pilot study demonstrated significant improvements, including an 85% enhancement in student item recovery efficiency, 70% reduction in time spent searching for lost items, and 90% student satisfaction rate. The research findings indicate that the implemented system significantly enhances the recovery of student belongings in educational institutions, providing a scalable solution that can be adapted for other universities.