In the 1970s, the university was expanded rapidly with respect to Albanian language instruction,[1][better source needed] from 7,712 students in the academic year 1969/70[7] to 43,321 in the academic year 1980/81,[7] its highest student population ever.[7] Ideologically, it acted upon strengthening of Albanian national conscience.[1][better source needed] The university was the scene of repeated Albanian nationalist protests.