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Student Known as Seu Janjão Achieves New Approval at Federal University of Piauí and Becomes an Example of Perseverance in Public Education
A story of persistence has once again gained prominence in the state of Piauí in 2026. At 75 years old, João José de Carvalho, known as “Seu Janjão”, achieved his second approval in the Biological Sciences course at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). The trajectory stands out because the student is a former student of Adult Education (EJA) in the state network, a modality created to allow people to resume their studies.
Furthermore, the achievement reinforces a central point of Brazilian public education. It is never too late to learn and start new academic paths. Thus, the case of the student has come to symbolize how education can transform lives even in advanced stages of life.
Persistence Marked the Path to the University
Initially, João José de Carvalho completed his studies through the Adult Education program of the state network in Piauí. Subsequently, he finished his training at the State Center for Full-Time Education Reunida de Patos, located in the municipality of Patos do Piauí. After that, the student participated in the selection process for admission to higher education.
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Thus, he achieved his first approval in the Biological Sciences course at UFPI. However, at that moment, the graduation had to be interrupted. According to Seu Janjão, difficulties related to the distance between municipalities and physical limitations prevented the continuation of his education.
“In my first approval, I faced problems with the distance because I live in another municipality,” he reported. Furthermore, he explained that physical limitations also made it difficult to remain at the university during that period. Now, however, the new approval has rekindled the enthusiasm for the dream of studying Biology.
Family and Education as Inspiration
At the same time, Seu Janjão’s achievement goes beyond a personal goal. This is because he states that studying also represents an example for his family. Currently, the student is a grandfather of five grandchildren.
Thus, completing higher education has also become a way to encourage new generations to value education. “For me, a man is what education makes of him,” he emphasized. Additionally, he reinforced that knowledge accompanies an individual throughout life.
“It is never too late to study. Knowledge is something we carry for a lifetime,” he stated. Thus, according to Seu Janjão, education directly contributes to forming more free and aware citizens.
EJA Results in Piauí in 2026
Alongside the individual story of the student, the numbers of public education in the state also show important advances. According to data released by the State Department of Education of Piauí (Seduc-PI), the 2026 results indicate growth in the presence of EJA students in higher education.
Initially, 186 students from the Adult Education program of the state network were approved in the first call of the Unified Selection System (Sisu). Subsequently, another 125 students secured places in the second call of the selection process.
Thus, the total reached 311 approvals in public universities in Piauí. Consequently, the data reinforces the role of EJA as a gateway to higher education.
Education as an Opportunity for a Fresh Start
In this context, the state secretary of Education of Piauí, Rodrigo Torres, highlighted the significance of these trajectories. According to him, stories like Seu Janjão’s demonstrate the impact of public education on social transformation.
“Seu Janjão’s journey reinforces that public school is a space for fresh starts and opportunities at any age,” he stated. Moreover, the administrator explained that educational programs help to expand access and ensure students’ continuity.
Among these initiatives, he mentioned Adult Education (EJA) and the Alfabetiza Piauí program, which aim to ensure access, permanence, and learning for people who had to interrupt their studies.
Thus, Seu Janjão’s journey demonstrates that education can represent a true fresh start at any stage of life.
In light of this, an important reflection arises: how many other similar stories could still emerge in the classrooms of Adult Education across Brazil?
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