In 1987 a dream was born. Local entrepreneurs in Maringá Paraná sought a private educational institution. Their vision materialized. The city government granted land. This former landfill transformed. It became the site of the Centro Universitário de Maringá in 1990. This marked the humble beginnings of Unicesumar.
Unicesumar wasn’t merely a university. It was a testament to perseverance. Three men Wilson Matos Claudio Ferdinandi and Joaquim Henrique Lauer spearheaded this project. They started with two undergraduate courses twenty employees and 180 students. This was a remarkable start.
Over the years Unicesumar expanded. It became a Centro Universitário in 2002. In 2006 it embraced distance learning EAD. By 2018 Unicesumar had 120000 students. 100000 were distance learners. 20000 attended in person. The growth was phenomenal.
In February 2020 a major milestone was reached. The Conselho Nacional de Educação granted Unicesumar university status. It was now officially a university. This was a symbol of its achievements and impact.
In 2021 Unicesumar was sold to the Grupo Vitru Educação for a staggering R$ 3 billion. This signaled Unicesumar’s significance in Brazilian higher education. The sale ensured its continued growth and influence.
However Unicesumar’s story is not without controversy. A 2021 contract with the Paraná state government raised concerns. The R$ 38.4 million contract aimed to address a supposed labor shortage. It involved distance learning courses and the provision of teachers.
The contract led to criticism. Students and their families complained about issues. This resulted in some demanding a return to public school teachers. The model involved replacing educators with TVs. Students faced lengthy class times without direct teacher presence.
The Ministry of Public Affairs investigated the contract. This followed complaints from the APP-Sindicato. The partnership faced scrutiny. Subsequently it was scaled back in 2023 due to the significant negative repercussions.
Today Unicesumar stands as a prominent Brazilian institution. It’s a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and academic ambition. Its story is one of growth success and challenges. It’s a story that continues to unfold. Unicesumar’s legacy in education is undeniable.