University News

WIU Student Develops App for Students to Buy/Sell/Trade

July 19, 2022

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Computer Science graduate student Gbubemi Tuoyo saw a hole in the marketplace and has developed an app for his WIU peers, Spotlight Junkie, to buy, sell and trade items with other students on the WIU campus.

Created for WIU students, Spotlight Junkie helps students list items or services for sale and conveniently communicate with potential buyers or sellers through the built-in chat system.

"Whether it's a regular or special item, you can find everything from household items to your next ride or bed on Spotlight Junkie," said Tuoyo.

This idea came from Tuoyo's personal experience when he first arrived on campus from Lagos, Nigeria and had a hard time finding affordable furniture for his apartment.

"Students, especially international students, find it extremely hard to get goods and services when they first arrive, and this app would help them solve the problem by connecting them with other students who have access to the required need," said Tuoyo. "Students can also use the app to earn extra money by providing their services to other students, like giving a ride to Chicago."

The app provides an environmental benefit, as well. It helps reduce waste management by reusing items that would otherwise have been thrown out.

According to Tuoyo, the app has already received reviews of how convenient and easy it is to use it. One WIU student said, "I got an HP Spectre laptop from the app at half the price."

Spotlight Junkie is available for free download in both the Apple and Google Play app stores.

An app user must have a WIU ID to participate.

To list an item for sale:

1. Log in with a WIU email using the Google sign in option.
2. Click on the "create product" icon.
3. Take pictures of your item and upload.
4. Make the post visible to the public.

For more information, email Tuoyo at gm-tuoyo@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Joyce Peter (JA-Peter@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing