Case study
Bowen Student's Wallet
NFC-enabled campus fintech — replaced all cash transactions across Bowen University outlets. Laravel API, React dashboard, Kotlin Android app with tap-to-pay.
Overview
The Bowen Student's Wallet is the central payment infrastructure for Bowen University campus. It replaces cash transactions across all campus purchasing outlets — from the cafeteria to the bookshop — with a unified digital wallet system.
Architecture
The system is built around a Laravel backend API with a React web dashboard and a Kotlin Android app for mobile wallet access. NFC-enabled ID cards allow for contactless transactions at point-of-sale terminals.
Key Components
- Student Wallet API — Laravel REST API handling wallet loads, transactions, and balance queries
- Merchant Dashboard — React web app for purchasing outlets to process and reconcile payments
- Admin Portal — Full-featured management interface for the University's finance team
- Android App — Kotlin app with NFC support for tap-to-pay functionality
- Settlement Engine — Automated batch settlement process for merchant payouts
Impact
- Eliminated cash handling risks across all campus outlets
- Improved transaction tracking and audit trails for the University
- Reduced queuing times at high-traffic periods (meal times, registration)
- Provided the finance team with real-time revenue visibility
Role
Lead Software Engineer — responsible for API design, Android app development, and technical coordination with the University's IT team.