VEHICLE ACCESS CONTROL AND SECURITY SYSTEM: UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS SECURITY GATE AS A CASE

Abstract

Nigeria (and in extension Africa) is grappling with security challenges – kidnapping, terrorism, militancy, porous border. Advances in information technology has highly upgraded the way crimes are perpetrated nowadays. One of the prominent issues identified is lack of adequate surveillance technology or a harmonized national database to rely on for thorough investigation. This paper aims at exploring and proffering a robust electronic gate access system that collects and archives relevant data securely, which can be retrieved for helpful leads, for example, during a security breach. Powered by OpenALPR API and based on SDLC principles, the system employs Raspberry Pi, biometric and number plate scanning technologies to create a working prototype that could be deployed in schools, offices, military installations, oil rigs, worship centres, and public car parks. Data collected could help the school management and government in physical planning – vehicles and drivers can be easily identified and tracked. This system will help boost Nigeria's national security – foreigners can be clearly differentiated from citizens. This alternative solution to our porous border crisis also helps plug revenue leakages in government spending and optimize resources. A locally developed solution like this will help minimize cost for institutions relying on them to address similar challenges.