Synthesis of FAEE from low-cost source of raw material Waste cooking oil over CaO heterogeneous catalyst derived from waste egg shell was investigated. The prepared catalyst (CaO) was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The characterization tests revealed a crystalline phase of CaO, SEM image showed the catalyst morphology and the FTIR show peaks signifying the presence of certain functional groups such as the OH group. Physiochemical properties of the biodiesel obtained were within the ASTM standards for biodiesel. Hence, heterogeneous catalyst obtained from eggshells wastes can be used for transesterification. Various reaction parameters such as catalyst dosage, ethanol to oil molar ratio and reaction temperature was optimized following Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The transesterification process was done at a temperature of 70-80℃, ethanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1 to 15:1 and the catalyst loading of 5-10 wt. %. It was found that the maximum fatty acid ethyl ester yield was 94.5% at 75℃ reaction temperature, 12:1 molar ratio of ethanol to oil and 7.5wt% of catalyst load. The yield of FAEE was characterized by using Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) and Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS). The presence of ethyl ester groups at the produced biodiesel was confirmed using both the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Engine performance and emission characteristics of the FAEE was tested by using single cylinder desire engine. Key words: Waste cooking oil, egg shell, calcium oxide catalyst, transesterification, engine performance, emission characteristics