The Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) is set to commence its academic activities in Ipatinga on March 30, 2023. Initially, classes will be held at the Municipal School Padre Cícero de Castro, which has been temporarily made available by the Ipatinga City Hall. This arrangement is pending the establishment of the university's permanent campus, which is currently under construction. The first program offered will be a degree in Pedagogy, and this new campus was featured in the Unified Selection System (Sisu) for students who registered by January 23, 2023.

The use of the municipal school is a temporary measure that allows UFOP to start its operations while waiting for the completion of its new campus. The permanent facility is being built at the site of the former Superintendence of Planning (Suplan) located in the Cidade Nobre neighborhood. Officials from UFOP have announced that the final steps in selecting the construction company for this project are nearing completion. Furthermore, a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the new campus is scheduled to take place soon, signifying the commitment to expand educational opportunities in the region.

The establishment of a UFOP campus in Ipatinga marks a significant development in the region’s educational landscape, offering more access to higher education for local students. The introduction of the Pedagogy course will target individuals looking to enter the education sector, thus fulfilling an important need for trained professionals in the community. This initiative not only serves to enhance the educational infrastructure in Ipatinga but also aims to uplift the local economy by fostering a more educated populace.