Evaluation of Office Manuals and Their Operational Relevance in Yobe State Government Departments

This study evaluates the availability, currency, and operational relevance of office manuals in selected departments of the Yobe State Government, within Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Office manuals serve as standardised procedural guides that ensure consistency, reduce decision-making ambiguity, and support onboarding of new staff. However, many Nigerian government departments operate with outdated or unavailable manuals, creating procedural ambiguity and operational inconsistency. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets administrative heads, registry officers, and general staff in seven Yobe State departments. Data are collected through structured questionnaires and documentary analysis of available office manuals. The Administrative Procedure Theory and the Standardisation Framework provide the theoretical grounding, with literature from 2020 to 2024 on public sector administration in Nigeria supporting the analysis. The study assesses manual availability rates, relevance to current operational realities, frequency of review, and staff awareness and usage patterns. Recommendations are directed at the Yobe State Civil Service Commission and the Head of Service office. Keywords: office manuals, operational procedures, Yobe State, public administration, administrative management